Linden Hills businesses face burglaries amid construction delays

In Minneapolis, small business owners in Linden Hills are facing significant challenges due to ongoing construction delays and a series of burglaries. The construction, which involves sewer, water main, and new bus line installations near 43rd Street and Upton Avenue, was initially expected to be completed by mid-summer. However, the timeline has now been pushed back to sometime in the fall, leaving businesses struggling with a 30%-50% drop in revenue. Suzie Marty, the owner of Everett and Charlie, had planned to take advantage of the slow business period by remodeling her store. Unfortunately, her efforts were thwarted when a burglary occurred last week, resulting in the theft of thousands of dollars worth of merchandise. This incident has added to her emotional and financial strain, as she described feeling exhausted and drained by the cumulative challenges this summer has presented. The situation is not isolated to Marty’s business; another local establishment, Picnic, also experienced a break-in last week. The connection between these burglaries remains unclear, but they highlight the increasing vulnerability of businesses in the area during this difficult period. As construction continues and financial losses mount, local business owners are left grappling with the dual pressures of reduced foot traffic and the threat of crime, raising concerns about the long-term viability of their enterprises in Linden Hills.