First, I want to reiterate that using the "revitalization" of Lake St as justification for increased freeway access contains the inherent assumption that Lake St is not vital. I am thrilled by the number of small businesses that have opened on E Lake Street in recent years, and don't want anything to jeopardize their success. From an economic standpoint, the businesses that are there now are doing well because they serve the local population - in fact many of the small business owners are neighborhood residents. If increased access will bring more people to the area, then that makes it a regional destination as opposed to a local designation. Once there is regional traffic, then the area becomes more attractive to chains and franchises typical of regional destinations. The competition from said businesses will create economic conditions whereby many local businesses will be priced out of the market by rent increases. It's true that Lake St could use investment, but I'd like to see the money go to support existing businesses rather than for a massive public works project of dubious value that will ultimately force out many of the purported beneficiaries.
David Piehl Central __________________________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail Plus � Powerful. Affordable. Sign up now. http://mailplus.yahoo.com _______________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
