I am writing to express my concern about the proposed Highway 371 Baxter bypass by MnDOT and its potential impact on small businesses, including my own — Curated Closet, located on Excelsior Road and Golf Course Drive. Small businesses are the heartbeat of our community, not just as economic engines but as pillars of support for local causes.

Over the years, my business has contributed to numerous community initiatives, from cancer and accident benefits to school and sports programs, as well as supporting our fire departments and local library, to name a few. This spirit of giving and community engagement is shared by many other small businesses that will be directly affected by this project. The more our local business thrives, the more our community does, and the opposite is also true.

Major construction projects like this one don’t just disrupt traffic, they disrupt livelihoods. Reduced visibility, limited access and decreased customer traffic during lengthy construction periods put a tremendous financial strain on small businesses. For many, it’s not a question of whether they’ll struggle but whether they’ll survive. And once the project is complete, rerouted traffic may permanently divert the steady flow of customers that local businesses depend on to stay open.

We urge the city council and MnDOT to consider the broader community impact. Small businesses like mine are not just storefronts; we are active participants in making Baxter a vibrant and caring community. Supporting local businesses means supporting the very fabric of what makes Baxter special.

Jessica Richau
Curated Closet, Baxter