Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Dan Olson
St. Paul, Minn.

More worries from businesses over Central Corridor construction

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

St. Paul business owners along University Avenue are worried light rail construction means revenue losses that may force them to close.

Several say the $1.5 million loan fund created to allow them to borrow up to $10,000 each isn't enough.

Va-Megn Thoj said members of the University Avenue Business Association are worried light rail construction will cause a drop in business resulting in a loss of jobs.

"The businesses are asking their elected officials to delay the project until a compensation fund is created for small businesses on the avenue," Thoj said. "Businesses are ready to work with the new Republican leadership at both the state level and the federal level, and Democrat leadership as well."

Jim Segal, owner of Ax-Man Surplus, said business owners along the Central Corridor light rail line expect some loss of revenue, but don't have enough of their own money to survive years of disruption.

"I'm just looking for some kind of financial support to help us get through the project," Segal said. "You know I accept the fact that my income, may have a negative impact on it, but I want to stay here, and obviously a compensation plan is going to have to be effective."