OPINION: St. Cloud Eastside Businesses Continue To Feel The Pain

When was the last time you were over on the Eastside of St. Cloud? Did you just drive through, or did you avoid the area as it has been under construction for the last 3 years? I got to attend a construction meeting this morning about the road construction taking place along Lincoln Ave, and several businesses expressed frustration over what the last three years have brought to the area. Lots of construction and seemingly fewer customers.

Highway 10 and Division

The previous two years, businesses along Highway 10 and Division/Highway 23 had to work through MnDOT's work that ended up adding an overpass at 4th Street SE, sinking Highway 10, and changing up the intersection that brings drivers on and off the two highways.

Businesses and organizations alike gritted their teeth and patiently waited for the two-year project to end. It was tough as access to these places was sometimes ever-changing and not fun to drive through if you wanted to support them.

Don't get me wrong, it was a great project, and it seems to me that the improvements made were worth the wait. But now, businesses along that same corridor are facing another summer of reduced access points, and potential customers and patrons are avoiding the area due to the construction.

Lincoln Ave Project

The construction project is replacing utilities and adding sidewalks in an effort to make the corridor more pedestrian-friendly. I agree it is a needed project to address the infrastructure, but I have to ask myself at what cost?

People adjust their shopping habits, and it's been noticed since the 10/23 project in the area, many businesses are seeing less traffic as people are simply avoiding the area due to the construction.

Next week, July 21-25, the intersection of Lincoln Ave and 7th Street will be closed for unexpected utility repair that was noticed with the water main replacement work. The intersection will likely be closed Tuesday through Thursday, but there is a chance the work might still be wrapping up Friday if the weather doesn't cooperate. 

Don't Forget The Eastside, We Are Still Open For Business

Don't forget the businesses along the eastside, especially those located along Lincoln Ave. I know the crew at Quanex, Runnings, East Side Oil, Lincoln Depot, Mr. Mister Carwash, Target, Sign Pros, Cashwise, the BP station, Val's, etc, etc, want you to know they are open and ready to help, just don't mind out mess, we promise it will be cleaned up by the fall...