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Public commenter accuses council of targeting minority-owned businesses
Summary
A registered public commenter, identified as Jarreau, told council he believed minority-owned businesses were being penalized and singled out after incidents of crime, and urged councilmembers to act differently toward businesses in minority neighborhoods.
During the public-comment portion of the meeting one registered speaker, identified as Jarreau, criticized the council and asked why some minority-owned businesses are being closed after incidents of crime while other venues remain open.
Sworn before speaking, Jarreau said he had previously run for office and used the public-comment time to press the council on what he described as an uneven enforcement pattern. "It's come to my attention that once again another minority business has been targeted to shut down due to the outburst of crime in your ward," he said, naming Exhale Hookah and referencing other venues and Speedway. He asked why businesses are penalized when incidents happen outside or nearby, and charged the council with maintaining the status quo.
President Somerville thanked him for his remarks and the public-comment period concluded; Jarreau’s comments were rhetorical and no formal action was taken in response during the meeting record.
What’s next: Public comment was recorded on the meeting minutes; the council did not take immediate formal action on the topic at the meeting.
