CCBC and Coalition Partners Meet with Elected Officials at the Capital

Emotions were high yesterday as members of the Capital City Business Council and its coalition partners meet with state Congressmen to express the need to Defer, Defund, or Defeat the Central Corridor Light Rail Transit (CCLRT). In a final attempt to defund the CCLRT during the Minnesota State budgeting process, more than 20 individuals were in attendance, ranging from property and business owners on University Ave. to concerned citizens and community advocates; attendees were offered the chance to speak with their elected officials directly and voice their concern over the CCLRT project. In attendance were Senators David Senjem (R-29), Joe Gimse (R-13), and Dave Thompson (R-36), as well as Representative Larry Howes (4B) and Mike Beard (R-35A); all of whom listened and offered advice and answers to the concerns voiced by the CCBC and its coalition partners.

Quick Summary of the damage the CCLRT construction has already produced:

• Porky’s Drive-In has closed its doors because of the construction

• Added Value Improvements at 1607 University saw significant losses last month due to the approaching construction.

• The UPS Store on University & Hamline, where the construction hasn’t even begun yet, has seen a consecutive loss in the last two months.

• 1954 University has seen criminal activity begin to start behind their business due to the chain-link fence erected around the front

• 432 University has yet to confirm, but it also looks like they will have to close their business as well.

The construction of the Central Corridor Light Rail Transit has already begun to severely affect the residents and businesses that reside on or near University Avenue. The Capital City Business Council and its coalition partners are working with State Legislatures to ensure the deferment, defunding, or complete defeat of the Central Corridor Light Rail Transit along University Ave.