The West 7th Neighborhood in Saint Paul, MN

Chuck Kosse is organizing this fundraiser on behalf of the West 7th Neighborhood.

The West 7th Neighborhood has always been proud of its community. That pride turned to great disappointment after the closing of Fire Station 51 at the corner of West 7th Street and Grand Avenue.

After the closing of the Fire Station in 2019, the businesses and residents felt it was essential to have more safety services, including fire and ambulance services, returned to the West 7th area of downtown Saint Paul. Thousands of Minnesotans and out-of-state visitors regularly come together to enjoy themselves in the West 7th area before and after hockey games, concerts and more!

From February 2021 to January 2022, the West 7th Neighborhood businesses and residents contacted the City of Saint Paul about restoring safety in the area and re-opening Fire Station 51. We were repeatedly told “no,” and our reports of increased crime fell mainly on deaf ears.

Seeing no choice, the West 7th Neighborhood brought a lawsuit against the City of Saint Paul to push for much-needed safety changes in the neighborhood and re-open Fire Station 51. And the lawsuit worked!

In May 2022, the Saint Paul Fire Department announced Fire Station 51 would re-open with fire and ambulance services, which will help increase response times in the area and restore safety services. This is a huge benefit, not only for businesses and residents of the West 7th Neighborhood but for everyone who loves to dine at their favorite restaurants or raise a pint at their favorite pubs in the area!

I’ve talked with many residents and other business owners of the West 7th Neighborhood. None of them liked suing the City of Saint Paul to bring about the necessary change, but they care so deeply for the area where they work and play that they were compelled to do so – for everyone’s benefit.

I’ve created this GoFundMe page as part of a “Friends of West 7th Neighborhood” group to help the businesses and residents of the West 7th Neighborhood cover expenses related to the lawsuit against the city.

Their bold act brought about much-needed change, and the re-opening of Fire Station 51 means greater safety for the area. These actions benefit everyone – your donation can help with expenses from the lawsuit. Monies raised will go directly to the payment of all legal costs.

Any additional money raised will be donated to the Saint Paul Fire Department to restore Fire Station 51.