University business owners are worried about planned LRT route
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A group of University Avenue businesses will meet with elected officials Thursday to discuss concerns about a proposed light-rail transit line connecting St. Paul to Minneapolis.
Members of the University Avenue Business Association say they're worried that construction of the Central Corridor line could disrupt their businesses and create financial hardship.
The group recently surveyed business owners on possible solutions, such as zero-interest loans and tax relief.
But another business coalition says it's important to keep the conversations focused. Karri Plowman of the Central Corridor Partnership says money for business mitigation is still sketchy.
"Everyone involved in business mitigation has to be very careful we don't offer false hope. These are very tough economic times all the way around, and there's only so much money out there. We have to be appropriate and let our businesses know what we can offer and not start promising things that don't have a basis in reality," Plowman said.
Several local, county and state officials plan to attend the meeting. Construction of the line could begin next year.
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