The last gun shop in Minneapolis
The Star Tribune is covering the story of Koscielski’s guns:
Mark Koscielski, the owner of the only remaining gun shop in Minneapolis, is entering the final stages of a fight with the city that could shutter his business, at least at its current location.
Koscielski awaits a hearing next month before the Zoning Board of Adjustment. Earlier this month, the city sent Koscielski an order telling him to cease operating the gun shop on the 2900 block of Chicago Av. S. by April 18 because it is out of compliance with zoning laws.
It’s the latest chapter in a 10-year legal battle with the city for Koscielski. The gun store owner, who ran for mayor in 2001, has frequently needled City Hall leaders. He recently printed up new “Murderapolis” T-shirts to sell as a way to criticize what he considers to be the city’s understaffing of the Police Department. He coined the term a decade ago when homicides in the city hit a peak.
Koscielski initially opened a store in 1995, days before the City Council adopted a moratorium on gun shops. The city tried to close his shop down, but federal courts ordered that he be allowed to continue doing business.
As a result, he was given an exemption in the zoning code.
It’s good to see this story getting some press, seemingly favorable press even.
