After a long time coming, the infamous abandoned CVS is torn down, showing the strength of neighbors in the Midway neighborhood and the advocacy of neighbors who have pushed for the destruction of the CVS.
“What began as frustration grew into a shared effort — from the Community Vitality and Stewardship pledge signed by hundreds of neighbors,” Hamline Midway Coalition leaders Lisa Nelson and Justin Lewandowski published in a press release on March 18.
The overall support of the teardown of the CVS that has loomed over neighbors for four years has been inspirational. The efforts of dedication have not gone unnoticed.
“Demolishing the former CVS building represents meaningful progress as we work to build a more vibrant and economically strong city. For too long, this property caused disruption for nearby residents and businesses,” St. Paul Mayor Kaholy Her said in a press release on March 18.
This disruption includes over 600 police calls, fencing surrounding the property to stop trespassing, and an overall unsafe environment that causes a breeding ground of illicit activities.
“Clearing the site will help restore safety and create new opportunities at one of the most active and promising intersections in our city,” Her said in a press release on March 18.
Ward 4 City Councilmember Molly Coleman was also a major supporter of removing the CVS, urging her Ward to write to the City Council, file complaints, and encourage the removal of the abandoned CVS.
“Hamline-Midway is one of the most vibrant, connected, and loved neighborhoods in our city. But for too long, CVS has left this storefront at the center of the community vacant—wasting space, negatively contributing to public safety, and deeply harming perceptions of the neighborhood,” Coleman said in a press release on March 18.
The detriment of the CVS has existed for too long, and with the removal and destruction of the building, it has highlighted the possibility of creating a positive environment where community members can use and foster a more impactful site.
“Today's demolition opens up an array of new possibilities and marks an important step toward building the intersection that this community deserves: one that is activated, safe, and full of positive energy,” Coleman said in a press release on March 18.
Although this doesn’t address all the problems that University Ave faces, it has definitely addressed a sore spot in the Midway community.
“It’s been a long time coming, so I’m glad this building that meant so much to residents and so little to the people who own it has finally been taken down. This doesn’t eliminate all of our problems, but it’s a start and gives us an opportunity to finally build something better. Something that actually benefits our neighborhood and community,” senior Cece Chmelik, Midway resident and active member of the HMC’s environmental programs, said via email.
The endless possibilities of the now freed-up lot excite the Midway and the potential that it contains. The hope of community members is strong and grows each day, with the hope that the lot will be used for a more positive and usable environment. The constant chatter of neighbors may also push for something that the community could need.
