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I am writing to you on behalf of a few downtown merchants that I have spoken to in the last couple of days <br />regazding the issue of the intersection at Main and Jackson. We understand the desire to beautify <br />downtown ,and to make it as aesthetically pleasing as possible. But at what cost?? As a group we have <br />endured some extreme hardships in the past year. Some of us barely hanging on. As for myself, I had a <br />new business that was thriving for 3 years, right up until the fast road closure. I watched each month as the <br />numbers fell. Businesses closed, owners had to take out loans for payroll, another business is now <br />"throwing in the towel", and a lot of mental anguish was felt by all of us. <br />Downtown Elk River is just now becoming a destination again. The park has brought people back here. <br />There are smiles, laughter and people having fun, I love seeing it all on Thursday evenings. It is truly a <br />bright spot in this whole constmction period. And I, unlike many people, actually think that the new <br />buildings aze very nice! I hope that the housing and retail will be fully occupied. This will bring a new life <br />to downtown that is very much needed. I don't yet see that the new construction has had a positive impact <br />on the existing businesses ,with the exception of the pazk, but hopefully that will come. <br />Now, my point to this letter. If you close the intersection at main and Jackson for 3 weeks, it will cause <br />further hardship to us. We are just now starting to see business improving. I know that customers will be <br />able to get here, and will have to turn around in the street, but most people don't want to deal with <br />construction areas of any kind. My customers have voiced that over and over this past year. It is a hassle. <br />And many people come here on a time budget. When I tallced to some of my downtown neighbors, and <br />explained to them what was going to happen, I got some very heavy sighs and "not again" responses. <br />Please reconsider your plan. There has to be a way to beautify the area without affecting traffic to this <br />degree. <br />Sincerely, <br />Patti Hipsag <br />The Bead Bag <br />