Burgers, Bumps, and Bottom Lines: St. Cloud Road Project Has Val’s Hamburgers Feeling the Heat

(KNSI) — A project on St. Cloud’s east side has some business owners worried about its impact on their bottom line.

The St. Cloud City Council approved the $5.2 million sewer and resurfacing project on a mile long stretch of Lincoln Avenue, which extends from 7th Avenue Southeast, by Lincoln Depot in the south, to the city line with Sauk Rapids in the north.

Four people expressed issues with the proposed construction, including Val’s Rapid Serv co-owner, Aaron Henning. His family has operated the local hamburger joint at Lincoln Ave and East St. Germain Street for 66 years. He told KNSI News he’s happy the city is putting more maintenance into the neighborhood but expressed nervousness over what could be a huge fiscal hit. “With the current plan that they’ve presented to us, we would lose two of our parking spots. That would be a total of approximately $140,000 loss in revenue for the business and an almost $12,000 loss in tax revenue for the state, [and] city.”

The council ordered staff to work with Henning and other businesses to make sure they keep their parking spots and asked that the design consider concerns for pedestrians. Henning hopes the city develops a concept that can work for everyone. “There are some issues with the road and public safety concerns. I’m happy that the city council’s decided to take action on that, and I hope that they’re able to consider the impact on businesses and make some adjustments to the plan.”

The iconic Val’s Hamburgers sign may also have to come down, which Henning says is an absolute gold mine for free advertising, as so many people take pictures with it and post them on social media.

Work will begin in the spring.

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