St. Paul Sues Maplewood Over Police Firearm Training Facility Dispute
The City of St. Paul, Minnesota, has initiated a lawsuit against its neighboring city, Maplewood, concerning the latter's opposition to St. Paul's long-standing police firearm training facility. St. Paul police officers have utilized this facility for over 50 years, operating under a lease with Ramsey County that extends until 2073. The dispute escalated after the Maplewood City Council approved a resolution in May opposing the facility. Last year, Maplewood had approved a conditional use permit for St. Paul to rebuild a small on-site building for classroom, restroom, and office space. However, when St. Paul resubmitted the proposal due to budget constraints, it was denied, with the council expressing a desire for the facility's removal. St. Paul Assistant Police Chief Paul Ford stated that the police provided additional information requested by the council, including future lead management plans, but received no written reason for the denial. The lawsuit, filed on September 22, appeals this denial.
