Broadway businesses hear update on corridor plans
‘Surviving and thriving in Forest Lake’ is the goal
Jennifer Larson
Staff Writer
The next couple years will be challenging for Forest Lake with the reconstruction of Broadway Avenue. With the corridor project scheduled to begin this May, Washington County is rolling out several promotions to help the city’s businesses survive and thrive while the work is underway.
One strategy is to keep businesses updated on the project by holding weekly neighborhood meetings. The next one is set for today (Thursday) from 8-9 a.m. at Culver’s, 1007 W. Broadway Ave.
The first informational session took place March 10 at the same location. There were around 30 who gathered to hear from Mindy Leadholm, the county’s liaison during the construction period.
The upside for the community is the street will have one lane open headed in both directions, a major difference between the installation of the Broadway and Lake roundabout in 2010 which had blocked off portions of the downtown’s main drag.
“The road will never be closed,” she said.
Leadholm passed out brochures on marketing ideas for businesses to maintain and gain customers while the avenue work is being done in 2011 and 2012. Another promotional tool is the Broadway Bulletin, a flyer made available to businesses, customers, residents, and other interested parties in Forest Lake.
“We will publish this monthly,” she said.
It will be available at city hall, the Forest Lake Area Chamber of Commerce office and the government service center, as well as on the county’s website for the project: www.broadwayaveforestlake.info. On that page you can also sign-up for updates via Facebook and Twitter.
All these options are meant to keep the business connected, Leadholm noted.
The information will change with each edition. Businesses affected by the work on CR-2 that would like to advertise can contact her at 651-470-7754 or e-mail mindy.leadholm@co.washington.mn.us.
“There will be updates on construction, upcoming schedules,” she said.
Leadholm encouraged those in attendance to provide input for what kind of content, like a detour map, that should be included in a business “Survival Guide.”
She explained the county will not be listing the 150 businesses along the corridor on signage that will be placed on the exit ramps.
That stirred up some concern from a few people who suggested a positive message be sent to the public to let them know that despite having difficulty accessing these select Forest Lake businesses, they’re open to customers.
Councilwoman Jackie McNamara said the Economic Development Authority, a board she presides over, wants to be involved in getting the word out.
“We would love to put up a billboard for you,” McNamara said.
Ron Miller, chaplain and communictions person at American Legion Post 225, suggested putting a map on the freeway sign if the businesses couldn’t be listed.
“A picture is worth a thousand words,” he said.
