Southdale Shopping Center facing serious Gang Issues! (Burnsville, Edina: buy, high school)

[total_genius]

I remember going to Southdale Mall (America's first in door Mall) when it was hot and happening. Now it is a sad place. I hear that the food court has been working hard to eliminate gang problems and loitering. How could Southdale have fallen so fast so hard?

[MNNative]

Granted, I don't frequent Southdale as often as I used to but I can say I'm moderately surprised if they're having gang issues. That's so not "Edinaish"...

Loitering is what my friends and I did all the time back in middle/high school (LOL) when we had no money (or when we did) but wanted a place to chill after school/weekend/summertime. Southdale was our hangout (sadly, I now realize we were so Mall Rats...only not as pathetic I hope).

If I had to speculate as to why Southdale is having trouble (if they REALLY are), I'd say it's cause Richfield and Mpls "gang members" are infiltrating, but it's so hard for me to wrap my mind around there being gang issues around that area it's almost funny to even think about.

I may also be naive. And like I said I don't hang there as often as I used to in order to judge for myself.

[Minnehahapolitan]

It isn't a social problem. The people who come to Southdale and loiter are not the problem. The mall has been sold about 3 times in as many years. There are two other malls within 8 miles of it. They can't hold down tenents and most people at Edina would rather shop at the Galleria or at 50th and France. The mall is physically dated and mismanaged. Scary urban black people can get to the Mall of America just as easily (actually, easier). Shady people cause many more problems at the Mall of America than they do at Southdale, yet the Mall remains vibrant and lively. Loiterers are the least of Southdale's problems. Blame a lazy management and a surrounding population that really doesn't care about the mall.

[MNNative]

Originally Posted by Minnehahapolitan

It isn't a social problem. The people who come to Southdale and loiter are not the problem. The mall has been sold about 3 times in as many years. There are two other malls within 8 miles of it. They can't hold down tenents and most people at Edina would rather shop at the Galleria or at 50th and France. The mall is physically dated and mismanaged. Scary urban black people can get to the Mall of America just as easily (actually, easier). Shady people cause many more problems at the Mall of America than they do at Southdale, yet the Mall remains vibrant and lively. Loiterers are the least of Southdale's problems. Blame a lazy management and a surrounding population that really doesn't care about the mall.

I completely agree. It is definitely apparent that the community's focus has shifted from Southdale. And you're absolutely right that shady people are more likely to frequent MOA than they would Southdale. But I do think MOA has had issues (think of the 4th floor)...in general malls are not doing well but that's a whole 'nother story.

Originally Posted by MNNative

If I had to speculate as to why Southdale is having trouble (if they REALLY are), I'd say it's cause Richfield and Mpls "gang members" are infiltrating, but it's so hard for me to wrap my mind around there being gang issues around that area it's almost funny to even think about.

By this I was suggesting if they're having any problems with gangs...The reasons Southdale is "failing" have been a result of mismanagement and competition for sure.

[BarbaraMN]

I'm not a big shopper so I don't frequent the mall, but I have been there a few times recently and have not noticed any negative element--it's just a fairly sad mall overall compared to the community surrounding it.

[p_U_c_K]

why do people who dont go there comment on this? or even start threads? i go their once a week (i work down france) to the foodcourt and there arent any loitering problems, people are just afraid of other races apparently

[MNNative]

Originally Posted by p_U_c_K

why do people who dont go there comment on this? or even start threads? i go their once a week (i work down france) to the foodcourt and there arent any loitering problems, people are just afraid of other races apparently

For the record, when I used to go in high school it was several times a week (as late as 2002). Since then I've, well, gone and got myself a life! So, yes, I don't go as often as I used to but I am in the area enough to think the thought of gang issues at Southdale is an interesting theory. LOL

You do however bring up a valid point.

[p_U_c_K]

Originally Posted by MNNative

For the record, when I used to go in high school it was several times a week (as late as 2002). Since then I've, well, gone and got myself a life! So, yes, I don't go as often as I used to but I am in the area enough to think the thought of gang issues at Southdale is an interesting theory. LOL

You do however bring up a valid point.

maybe growing up in north and northeast mpls has made me immune, but i drive down france everyday, go eat at subway by the poker store in the foodcourt like once a week, but i think its just the edina elite feeling uncomfortable around punks, or what i really think might be happening is that hicks who never even go to southdale have heard through the white trash grapevine that things are going to hell per usual, when they dont really experience it themselves. all the more reason to move 10 more miles out and buy 1 more hand gun for something that will never happen

[MNNative]

Originally Posted by p_U_c_K

maybe growing up in north and northeast mpls has made me immune, but i drive down france everyday, go eat at subway by the poker store in the foodcourt like once a week, but i think its just the edina elite feeling uncomfortable around punks, or what i really think might be happening is that hicks who never even go to southdale have heard through the white trash grapevine that things are going to hell per usual, when they dont really experience it themselves. all the more reason to move 10 more miles out and buy 1 more hand gun for something that will never happen

I can't vouch for the Edina Elite...lol I may have been raised in Edina but I hung with Richfield people more often...I think I took from both worlds and I can't help but chuckle at the thought of that area going to pot. Seriously?

I mean, I can understand people being a little apprehensive at the many types of people now wandering the mall (all goes back to the feelings of uncertainty about things/people unlike you)...but to say it's a problem is just...interesting.

I don't talk to mall security so maybe they have had some random issues...I can't say. I still echo Minnehahapolitan's suggestion that Southdale's problems lie more in the management, community and competition from other malls than it does socially.

[golfgal]

I think Burnsville Mall has more troubles with loiters and gangs then Southdale. I haven't noticed problems at Southdale at all but Burnsville is getting bad, especially on weekends.