We at River Road Hair Designer’s have provided quality haircare services for Seward residents and the surrounding area for 15 years. The salon itself has been operating at 3330-East 25th Street for at least 50 years.
We want to assure our clients and friends that it is our intention to continue doing so for many years to come.
Sincerely,
Ramona and Maggie

I am a huge fan of Tracy and what she is trying to do and I want to see the Birchwood Cafe continue to thrive in this neighborhood. However, I would hate to lose the River Road Hair Designer Salon or the Three Smooth Stones Wellness Center. Both are businesses that I frequent often. They are a big part of MY Seward neighborhood. (I do not have the same feelings about the Laundromat.) I would hope that "certain parts" of the Birchwood operations might use only that space and keep the other 2 businesses as they are.
Thanks, for inviting feedback on this.
Marilyn Matheny

I presented the following letter at the Seward Development Meeting 3/09/2010
Thanks to all for your support.Ramona & Maggie
March 9, 2010

To: Seward Neighborhood
From: Ramona Bolton
Owner: River Road Hair Designers’
3330- East 25th Street
Mpls, MN. 55406
(612)729-1821
Re; Proposed Expansion for Birchwood Cafe

I have lived in Seward neighborhood for forty eight (48) years.
I attended the old Seward School.
In third grade, carried my chair into the new Seward School.

At 16 years old attended Robinson’s Beauty School which was located on the corner of 27th and East Lake Street.
When I was 17 I went to work as a hairstylist for Patsy Ellis.
(who was also a lifetime Seward resident) at “Patsy’s Magic Mirror”.
Located at 3330-East 25th Street.
Now, River Road Hair Designers.

This space has been a hair salon for well over 50 years.
I purchased the salon in 1994.
The neighborhood clientele has been enough to provide job’s for two employees’ and myself for sixteen years.
Providing quality affordable haircare and salon services
I personally, am going on my fourth generations of family haircuts.
I am eternally grateful to all my friends in the Seward area who continue to make it possible.

The building on 34th and East 25th street has consistently provided Seward residents with convenient, necessary, quality services with a personal neighborhood touch.
The building itself has been conscientiously maintained by the owner Mike Lupient.
Mr. Lupient has not only provided three thriving businesses with space to work but also an upper apartment rented out to a single Mom who is also a lifetime Seward resident.
All with affordable, manageable rent.

I am providing this short history because it is all an intricate part of the personality of the Seward Neighborhood.
Below is a partial list of reasons I feel that this proposal should not be approved.

1) The building is not actively “For Sale”
2) It is actively rented to three separate successful small businesses And one family apartment
3) It is well maintained
4) All of the businesses are used by and a benefit to the neighborhood
5) The businesses provide jobs.
6) River Road Hair Designers is the only salon in the area.
7) The Laundromat is convenient and constantly in use by residents

If this proposed move is approved and supported, River Road Hair Designers’ will be closed. It is very unlikely that I would be able to re-open due to lack of a nearby location, cost and loss of clientele.
Please deeply consider these things I have brought to your attention

Sincerely,
Ramona Bolton
River Road hair Designers’

Congratulations to Tracy for her success. However, it seems a very bad idea to consider replacing businesses that are working. The businesses at both ends of the building are important and will have many people "defending" them from being displaced. I am also concerned about what is says about this neighborhood when no one comes out to support the laundromat. I lived next door to the laundromat for 17 years. And that was before it had a bathroom. Laundromats are important to many people.

I, too, want to offer support to the Hair Salon, and Ramona and Maggie. Not only do they serve Seward, but I have several friends who come from other parts of the Twin Cities to receive their services. Their business is a true treasure in our community, and many people pop over to the Birchwood after a haircut, as well!

I think there would be an enormous public outcry if they were displaced, so I am glad to hear that Tracy is making a serious effort to see that this does not happen. It would be unacceptable, and inconsistent with the ethic that the Birchwood has always upheld.

I also think that the laundomat is a much needed amentity for the neighborhood, even though I do not use it. There is a percentage of people who need this service, and appreciate the location because it is safe and well maintained. Without making this a class issue, I must mention that not all citizens have private homes and thus laundry facilities.

(By the way, I look forward to some upgrades to the Birchwood, and would hope that one of them would include noise control, which has become such a problem that I never eat there anymore, even though I love the food. It is not pleasant to have to shout to your companion while trying to enjoy a meal.)

Good luck, and be fair! Wendy Adamson Seward resident

My name is Bob Modaff and I'm the owner of ThreeSmoothStones, located in the building across the street from the Birchwood Cafe. I am grateful, as a Seward resident and business owner, to be able to add to the discussion concerning this location and the potential changes that are under consideration.
It was my dream in 1998 to open a neighborhood wellness center, where people could walk to yoga, or meditation, or shiatsu, and then float home. I was lucky enough to find this location three blocks from my house on 31st Ave South, and have been blessed ever since with a modest, but successful, business. The other day I was driving past Matthews Park and saw two women walking with their yoga mats and realized that they were on their way to the 4:00 Vinyasa class here at ThreeSmoothStones. It was a good feeling to know that what I'd dreamed had come to pass. We are a low-cost, no-frills operation. Many of our teachers live in Seward and some of the classes are filled with all neighborhood residents. I've looked out the window for the past 12 years and watched kids grow from toddlers to teens. If you were to ask any of our neighbors who were here before we moved in, I’m sure they would agree that we have stabilized and improved this corner of 25th Street.
I realize that Tracy has every right to purchase this building, should my landlord ever decide to sell, and he has every right to sell if and when he decides to do so. My objection would be to using neighborhood money or clout to in any way facilitate such a transaction without a thorough and complete neighborhood hearing.
I personally believe that replacing a restaurant, wellness center, hair salon and laundromat - all successful and serving the community directly - with just a bigger restaurant, or with higher-end businesses that could afford a higher rent, would be the wrong step for the people of Seward. I don't flatter myself to be irreplaceable, but Ramona Bolton, owner of River Road Hair Design, is a neighborhood treasure. Both of us would have a very hard time finding alternative space given the affordability of our current situation. And I believe our closing would be a loss to the community.
I’m a big fan of the Birchwood and Tracy Singleton, and look forward to doing all I can to help facilitate their expansion - as long as it doesn’t involve tearing down what we’ve spent 12 years building up. I look forward to working with Tracy and the community to come up with a solution that benefits everyone.

Thanks for listening!
Bob

I am an active community member in my own Minneapolis neighborhood, and I've worked on issues such as economic development and small business creation/expansion. It is not a good idea to displace thriving small businesses for the sake of expanding someone else's business. Even thriving small businesses need stability.

I have been getting my hair cut at River Road Hair Design for about a year. Every time I am there I am amazed about how deep-rooted in the neighborhood this business is. It is just like Floyd's Barber Shop in Mayberry (Andy Griffith Show). Ramona has been cutting some families' hair for several generations. People stop by just to catch up on former neighbors and friends. Even I, not a Seward resident, have caught up on information about friends just by being there.

River Road Design serves many purposes in the neighborhood. The longevity of the business alone is testament to the important role it plays.

Birchwood Cafe is doing great, and I'm happy to hear the business is ready to expand. But the number of cars there tells me most of the clientele comes from outside Seward. Moving the business to another location, within a few blocks, would be less likely to affect their business than it is to affect a business like River Road Hair Design.

Driving around the area, it appears there may be other buildings that are empty and available for a new business. Why disrupt three great small businesses to satisfy another small business? It doesn't make sense.

You say the three existing businesses could exist "along side a remodeled Birchwood." You have not outlined how these three businesses could co-exist with Birchwood after they have been displaced.

Please do not destroy the dreams, jobs and neighborhood amenities of others when there are other options. It is not good business to upset and disrupt neighbors.

I'm a huge fan of both River Road Hair Design and the Birchwood. In fact, it's the monthly visits to Mona's shop that bring me to Seward and to the Birchwood. As a former Seward resident (who used to use the laundromat, too), it's wonderful to have a reason to return frequently. While I am happy for the success of the Birchwood, it would be very disheartening to see the businesses and residents across the street displaced for the Cafe's expansion. It would change my opinion of the Birchwood, I'm sorry to say. I really hope an alternate plan is pursued.

The charm of the Birchwood Cafe is partly due to its current location and history of turning an old warped-floor dairy in to a thriving eatery. It was exciting when the Birchwood opened its doors and many of us have helped the Birchwood thrive by spreading the word about the new cafe and our own patronage.

When the Birchwood Cafe was grappling with the neighbors on parking issues and a wine and beer license, I stood behind the new establishment, welcoming change and vitality to the neighborhood.
Now, with the possibility of expanding, at the expense of three vital businesses in the Seward community, I must take an alternative stand.

Let's do away with the sugar-coating:

I can hardly believe that moving the Birchwood Cafe across the street would not affect and possibly be the demise of three neighborhood businesses. I would like Ms. Singleton to please share this aspect of her relocation plans. Let's face it, business is business. Change is for profit, not necessarily for "the good of the community".

It may just be me, but I get the distinct feeling that the Seward community may be held ransom in the case of the Relocation of the Birchwood Cafe. If Ms. Singleton can not relocate across the street, we may be faced with even more change; losing the Birchwood Cafe to another community. Can we possibly survive this change?

The Birchwood Cafe is "Bursting at the seams", as quoted by the Birchwood Cafe owner. This sounds like a "problem" that many eateries would love to have to solve. If it isn't broke......you know how the saying goes.

In these times of financial hardship and with small independent businesses struggling to keep their doors open, I can hardly believe that a neighboring business would put fellow business owners at risk.

Rethink, or think for the first time, the true nature of this act. Who is really benefiting from this move, and whose lives and means of income will be affected?

Ms. Tracy Singleton says in her article, "Please know it is my goal to engage in honest, constructive ongoing communication with Ramona Bolton and Bob Modaff as this process continues. " But communication appears to be less than honest, ongoing, engaging or open. Residents and Board of Seward neighborhood, before your money is invested, please make sure all parties are at the table to dicuss the issues, and that resolutions are available all the way around the equation.

Hi. This is Peter Fleck, the current editor/publisher/curator of the Profile site.

This is proving to be a very emotional issue for the community. I really want this to be a respectful discussion that reflects that facts as they are known. We don't need rumors or incendiary statements.

Sheila, I'm tempted to remove your comment (preceding) because of its incendiary nature. I see no indication that any communications are "less than honest, ongoing, engaging or open"? Tracy came to the Community Development Committee meeting and presented on her potential plans (she didn't have to), she drafted the letter to the Profile with more details, she sent the letter to her block club's mailing list, and I would be surprised if the letter wasn't posted at the Birchwood itself. (Tracy also initiated a special meeting in January to discuss expansion.) I think she is doing an excellent job of communicating.

As to a money investment by the neighborhood, it isn't even on the table. So let's not start rumors!

Please. Let's stay respectful here.

I do want to clarify one point in the CDC minutes <http: />. The minutes state that "negotiations with the current owner preclude her from talking with the building’s tenants." I was at the CDC meeting and it was my understanding (and stated by Tracy) that the current building owner, Mike Lupient, told Tracy that he did not want her to discuss any potential sale with his current tenants. It wasn't Tracy's idea.

Here are some links to the January Birchwood meeting:

Announcement & Agenda
http://sewardprofile.posterous.com/community-meeting-wednesday-to-discuss-birchw

Notes from the meeting
http://sewardprofile.posterous.com/notes-from-the-birchwood-cafe-expansion-commu

I mentioned in another forum that there is a building nearby that appears to not have an active business in it. That is the building at 35th Av and 25th St. (It happens to be on a lot the same configuration that the city won't allow Tracy to use to enlarge the current Birchwood.) This is nearby, would be closer to the river and would improve the street.

I strongly agree with you, Peter.
Tracy has been very careful to work with the community and follow proper channels.
We need to give her time to explore all options and all take a deep breathe.
We want everyone to win here.
Marilyn Matheny

My husband and I have been long time customers of River Road Hair Design. We are not Seward residents but drive several miles to have our hair cuts with Maggie. We especially enjoy the atmosphere, the warmth of the stylists, and the reasonable prices. The service is excellent and very caring of all the clients who come in. Ramona and Maggie strive to offer fair prices for excellent services. They can do that because they can afford to in this location.
Birchwood has some very good food items and beverages but the prices are quite high. We have bought coffee, treats, and an occasional breakfast or lunch there. Many times it is way too crowded with no seating available. Yes, as someone wrote above, it is noisy too.
We would support Birchwood expanding somewhere else.
The current businesses across the street have much to offer the community and should remain untouched by Birchwood's need for expansion. In these times of economic hardship, good services for fair prices should be supported and encouraged NOT threatened with extinction. It would be a disservice to the community to loose River Road Hair Design,ThreeSmoothStones, and the Laundromat (yes, some people need their services, too). I hope the Seward Community can maintain the businesses and their jobs.
Thank you for considering these thoughts.
Laura and Jim Wolfe

(Ewart Martens left this comment in the Neighbors Forum. Used with permission.)

I very seldom post in this forum but read the postings that arrive in my mail box frequently. The tenor of the thread regarding Tracy's expansion plans for the Birchwood however compels me to add my two cents.

First off this is Tracy we are talking about . She has built up and perfected a beloved neighborhood institution that has been an asset to the community in every way for 14 years or so. If anybody has earned a measure of trust from the rest of us while she is in the early stages of the complex task of expanding her business, it is her.

Secondly, change happens. While I agree with all of you on the merits of the three existing businesses, if Mr. Lupient wants to sell his building we should consider ourselves lucky that the Birchwood is interested. While keeping things as they are may be preferable to many I could easily imagine worst outcomes than having the Birchwood expand in to Mr. Lupients building. Ewart Martens

Just for the record. I have spoken with Mr.Lupient several times regarding this issue. I have been assured by him that the building is NOT FOR SALE. However, I do know every man has his price.
I do believe that Tracy (The Birchwood) has made offers on the building.
IF and I emphasize IF Mr.Lupient decides to sell his building to anyone and there is a signed purchase agreement, I will simply thank Mr. Lupient for being such a great and generous landlord all these years.

I writing regarding my concern for the possible loss of River Road Hair Designers resulting from the expansion of the Birchwood Cafe. River Road Hair Designers provides quality affordable services not only to Seward residents but many of us who live in other neighborhoods (and then shop at other Seward businesses while we're in the area). As can be seen in many of the posts in support of River Road Hair Designers, Ramona Bolton has built a loyal following based not only on the quality and affordability of her services but the personal touch she provides (she has many elderly clients for whom she not only provides hair styling but when needed the transportation to get them home from her salon). I fear that a move or a new owner would be the end of her ability to provide these affordable and personal services that are so valued by those of us who depend on Ramona.

Magdalena Brown sent this as an e-mail Posted with permission
My name is Magdalena Brown. Most people call me Maggie. I am 26 years old, and was born and raised in Seward. My parents still live in the house I grew up in on 22nd street. I am also a hairstylist at River Road Hair Designers.

I started there in 2006 and have worked very hard with many struggles, and even more joys to build up a wonderful clientele whom I deeply appreciate.
I currently live in the two bedroom apartment above the salon on 25th street with my 3 year old son Zavier.

I met Ramona or "Mona" as I call her about 13 years ago when my mother got a haircut there.
Mona did my hair for my 8th grade graduation from Anne Sullivan, my proms at South, and many other rights of passage as an adolescent.
Over the last almost four years I have witnessed Mona bringing clients to and from their hair appointments, hundreds of times, visiting numerous people in the hospital and nursing homes, doing hair when they can't leave the house because of weather or illness.

Mona doesn't do these things for monetary value or the betterment of her business. She has an incredibly large heart and that has also given her the love and patience to be a foster parent in this county to special needs, developmentally and or physically handicapped children for over 20 years as well.
My point is that she is not just a part of our community, she is an institution.

After I had my son in 2006, I was working full time at a large chain salon, It was difficult
because my manager never took into consideration the incredible amount of juggling to say the least is involved in raising a child alone.
My mother kept telling me, "call Ramona, call Ramona!!"
The last straw for me was when I was told I wasn't allowed to take a break to pump breast milk.
I was fed up, tired, and frustrated so I finally called.
The first time I met with Mona to discuss the possibility of working there, she hired me on the spot and gave me a chance.
I felt like there was hope, especially when I was leaving and she said," you be sure and bring that baby here!"
I was afforded an entirely different environment. It was like I was home. I could bring my baby to work with me, and nurse him between clients if I needed.
Most of my clients were my neighbors, local business owners, friends, teachers, and family that I had grown up in front of, or with.
This to me was the definition of community.
When I first started there and the end of the day rolled around, I went to pay Ramona, she wouldn't take my money and would always say something like, " you didn't make enough today, or pay me next month".
She has supported me through countless events throughout our time together and her love and support has blossomed into a friendship that I hold very dear.
I have been able to make a modest but livable wage at the salon, and have finally found affordable housing in Seward which I didn't think was possible.
I find it very hard to imagine our rent staying the same or even being manageable with the cost involved in purchasing a building this size, in this location.
In sharing my story, I am hoping that you are all aware of the many lives that are both involved and affected by this expansion.
We as neighbors and residents in this community need to ask questions, and consider the what ifs.
Especially in light of the incredible and unexpected growth of the original Birchwood Cafe.
Will this be just what it is expected to be, a "moderate" expansion?
What if we, like so many other small businesses are driven out or are unable to afford to stay.
My hope is that there is a solution to this problem, which has been truly a constant source of worry since I was informed of these plans on Monday, March 8th.
We are still waiting to hear more definite plans from Tracy Singleton regarding the expansion. However I am eager to hear feedback from all of you as well.
Thank you all for taking the time to read this and for caring so much about your community.
You are all the reason it is such a unique and close knit place.

Very truly yours,
Magdalena Brown
(612)729-1821 or email me: Magdalena_1483@yahoo.com
Sent from my iPod

I am a longtime resident of Seward, a longtime patron of River Road Hair, a longtime friend of Bob Modaff (and his family) and an occasional patron of the Birchwood (I remember occasionally picking up a half-gallon of milk when it was still the Dairy, and how lovely it was to have the cafe move in).

I am struck by the anger and hurt here -- and the mistrust. I hope that those people involved can find ways to talk, in an atmosphere of trust, to try to find a way to make this work. If, in the end, I have to take sides, I will stand with those on the north side of the street. I agree that one neighbor should not gobble up two in her drive to be bigger and better. Growth at the expense of community is also not sustainable.

Could this be a moment for some mediated conversations? Some truly creative problem-solving? We have people trained in facilitating talking circles in this neighborhood. Let's see if we can make this more like Seward and less like the middle east.

Maybe I am just being too idealistic.

As a long time patron of River Road Hair Design, it has been my appointments at the salon that bring me to Seward to patronize other businesses there. It is Ramona Bolton's salon that provides a sense of community and very affordable haircuts to community residents. The reasonable rent under the current arrangements allows her to do that.
The Birchwood Cafe claims to be striving to serve the community. How does driving out three thriving small businesses do that? Wouldn't it better serve the community to explore using some other, empty building for expansion?
Birchwood seems to be threatening to leave the neighborhood if they are not able to expand. While that would be a shame, I think their space would be quickly taken by another restaurant. I don't think a business like River Road Hair Design and it's unique ambiance could be as easily replaced.

I have lived in the neighborhood about 15 years ago, right around the time when Ramona became the owner of the Hair Design. I since have lived in many different places around twin cities and even different countries. In the last 15 years I have never gotten a hair cut at any place other than River Road Hair Design. I am strong supporter of a small family businesses I think that is what keeps this country going. I remember when Birchwood cafe opened and every time I go for my hair cut I visit the cafe. I think both business are currently supplement each other. If there is a way to keep all 3 businesses open and working it would be ideal, however with the expansion I don't see that happening. We live in the world of mighty $. The question is does this expansion really benefit anyone, except, of course, Tracy? I can the see the desire to grow and increase the profit margin, but may be expanding in a different location in the same area, i.e., Lake Street of Franklin would be a better idea. At any rate, I think for me and my family the closing of River Road Hair Design would a be huge loss and will probably mean that I will not longer come to Seward and will not be able to support other businesses like Birchwood cafe, which is probably not a big deal, a loss of one in frequent customer, but that is how small businesses are being build up from one happy customer to another. Again, my opinion my not count for much, but I felt it is important to express it, since I am sure there are a lot of people like me out there. I am about to go for my next hair cut and I hope it will not be the last one, when I can enjoy a cup of coffee along with some snacks, which my sons loves after our family hair cuts.
Vladimir Kuskovski
former resident and current customer.

i agree with rosa bolton, when she mentioned that ...Change is for profit, not necessarily for "the good of the community".

If River Road Hair Design were to expand and to include a coffee bar, i think Birchwood Cafe would see some stiff competition.

come on people, do you really want to disrupt the tranqullity and charm of the neighborhood as it is today ?

there must be alternatives....say, look at Poilane Bakery..they have 3 locations.
are you telling me that we cannot have Birchwood Cafe East, Birchwood Cafe South, Birchwood Cafe West ?

Hello? did you say it was up to the neighborhood or up to somewhat blind flange in urban planning (sic) mechanisms?

i am not an expert...but i believe that the potential economic impact loss would be greater than the sum of what we see today and that would also result in an adverse impact on the neighborhood.

I repeat: Has there been any thought to viability of moving to the building a block closer to the river? I am told there is not an active business in the former Tri State Bearing building.
Also, going farther from the river; the former Pi is another space that may be available. And I still want to advance the proposal of the former Embers. People who know what happened with the previous restaurant know it was not the "building" nor it's location that doomed it.
There may be a lot of action, negotiations going on that we are not hearing about. It is entirely possible that this outcry of support is having an influence on Seward Redesign's decision to involve it's paid staff in this project, and the direction they are looking. I hope Tracy can find a place to expand that will serve the needs of all well.
Also, PLEASE don't forget the laundromat. Laundromats have a vital role in a community. We want to see a solution that includes the best result for 4 businesses.

I am a patron of River Road Hair Designers and appreciate the convenience, quality and affordability of the services I receive. I would like to see the Birchwood continue to prosper, but NOT at the expense of the businesses in the proposed acquisition. There are still unanswered questions: If the Birchwood expands to the Lupient building location, will rents be raised forcing out River Road Hair Designers, Three Smooth Stones and the Seward Laundromat? Would the existing businesses be able to coexist with the proposed Birchwood expansion? We need more information about what constitiutes "moving certain parts of Birchwood Cafe operations." I look around the neighborhood and see plenty of opportunities for a second location, such as the restaurant-ready abandoned Molly Quinn's that would not only serve the Birchwood's expansion needs, but could be a neighborhood rehabilitation project that would eliminate an eye sore and create an environmentally-friendly LEED building. I would like to see this expansion as an opportunity for neighborhood improvement. The building at 3330–25th Avenue and the three successful businesses it sustains have already proven to be an asset to the neighborhood and are not in need of improvement. Bottom line, we want EVERYONE to prosper and encourage more information about the prosposed expansion and more creative thinking about options.

I and my kids ( two generations), have been getting our hair done by Mona and Maggie for years, at River Road Hair Designs. The thought of them possibly having to close their doors, is unthinkable to us. They work very hard, to give the great service they offer.
Mona has worked very hard over the years building her business to the level it is today. She has developed a niche, in the seward neighborhood, that is very much needed and would be a loss, if it were not there in the future. It is not very easy or feasable, for a such a small business owner such as Mona, to move to a different location and try to start up again. Some make it, a lot don't.
I see a lot of other commercial buildings, in this area that seem to be empty and would probably jump at the chance to sell or lease to a successful business owner, such as Tracy, without having to uproot two excisting business', that are already establised, been at the same location for years and I'm sure not excited about the possiblity of moving or worse yet, closing their doors.
My second comment is regarding the parking. If there is an expansion, of any type, how much more traffic can the neighborhood handle? The parking and traffic can be quite difficult to maneuver in now, at times, when the Birchwood Cafe is busy.
I have to say it is nice to see all these thriving business', in the Seward neighborhood. I hope for the best outcome for everyone involved.

Thirty years ago I lived in Seward and loved coming to River Road Hair Designers for hair cuts. I also used the Laundromet then as I had no
laundry facilities of my own. I then was gone for a number of years and
was so excited to come back to Seward and back to River Road Hair Disigners ...in fact, that's one reason we bought the house! Again, my
monthly treat is to come to the salon and catch up on the news of Seward! Ramona is a very special lady and she and Maggie provide
excellent service and are great friends! Three Smooth Stones and the
laundromat also provide services to the people who use them and who
count on the comfortable feelings that come with their patronage.

I think that the Birchwood has built up a client base by now that the
clients wlll be able to follow them, and there other places which would
be more appropriate for such an establishment.

Lorie Christianson

I've been going to get my hair cut at River Road Hair Designs since I was a baby and I remember having Mona cut my stuffed bears hair before mine because I was scared to go first. I have also been going to the Birchwood all my life and am very loyal to it.

But I was also thinking that in addition to the argument that those three business's are an important part of the community I also don't think that having a deli and catering business would have wild success for the Birchwood. Because though people love and are very loyal to the Birchwood as a restaurant I believe that they are also just as loyal to the nearby Seward Co-op as a deli and grocery store. I feel like the Birchwood wouldn't make a lot of money and would also take a bit away from the Co-op which I believe just weakens the community as a whole.

I mean, taking out three local business's just so one can expand while that one also hurts a fourth local business, the Seward Co-op. But if there's some way to keep Mona's salon in the neighborhood as well as the laundry mat and meditation center then I'd be a bit more open to the idea of the Birchwood expanding like that.

By the way, I'm 15 years old.

A couple of years ago Lorie Christianson referred me to Ramona at River Road Hair Designers. What a pleasure it was to find someone who cut my short hair just the way I wanted it. The last 30 years I’d been trying different hair designers but none of them really “fit the bill”. I finally hit the jackpot with Ramona. In addition, after going to various “upscale” salons it was a great relief and pleasure to walk into a salon that was down to earth, gracious, and friendly.

From the neighborhood and economic perspective:
If someone were going to build a humongous restaurant in my neighborhood we would be appalled! It’s a good bet that the noise level would go up and the sight of cars lining both sides of the street much of the time would be depressing. Another thing to consider is that one of the first things to go when the economy is grim is “eating out.” . We already have too many “enlarged and remodeled restaurants “ standing empty!

Leave River Road Hair Designers and the Seward Laundromat in peace and allow them to continue to add to the satisfaction and convenience of their long-term customers. To shut down these businesses would be unconscionable!
Ruth Francis

From E-Democracy.org site Posted with permission

From: Hy Berman Date: Mar 23 04:09 UTC Short link

As long time residents of Seward, my husband and I enjoyed and valued
Birchwood, first as a small dairy/grocery store and then as a restaurant
that cared about and offered healthy food to people in our neighborhood
as well as to people outside the Seward Area. We most certainly wish
Birchwood well.

At the same time, we are very much concerned about announced plans to
expand the restaurant by purchasing the building across the street. We
fear that it may displace the present occupants: River Road Hair
Designers, Three Smooth Stones and the Laundromat. Each of these
businesses serves the community well.

I am especially interested in the River Road Hair Designers that I and
many residents in the Seward area and outside the neighborhood depend
upon. In fact, the River Rd. Hair Designers offers excellent service at
reasonable cost and thus attracts clients from far and wide. Romana
Bolton is well known in our community for caring about the welfare of
its residents, for her hard work, energy and vitality. She and her
colleague, Maggie, recently redecorated and updated the interior of
their workplace, and have plans for future improvements. Their business
success was unquestionably achieved by the high quality of service
provided at affordable prices.

Therefore, any discussion and decision made by the Seward Designers
regarding the future of the building must consider the economic future
of its tenants and insure that their rights are protected and that fair
play and ethics are meticulously observed. Disregarding these issues
would be unjust and an affront to the community.

Betty and Hy Berman

My name is Ann Munt,
I am a resident of Prospect Park, member of the Seward Co-op and customer of the Birchwood Café and customer of River Road Hair salon.

I am happy that the Birchwood is a success and in the past has upheld high ethics as a community business. It overwhelmed me to hear that it may consider expanding by purchasing property which could replace three small independent business which provide needed, affordable service to the community.
Ramona Bolton’s hair salon, the laundromat and Three Smooth Stones (Bob Modaff).
All three are a much needed amenity for the neighborhood. I for one would be outraged if these small businesses were displaced.
It definitely would be inconsistent with the strong ethic that Tracy/ the Birchwood have upheld even if one or two of the businesses were allowed to rent, the increase in rent needed to pay for the purchasing of this property would be inevitable and unaffordable.

As a social worker for 50 years, 45 years in Southeast Minneapolis, I have witnessed the importance of small businesses which help make up the fabric of the community. Places to gather, exchange views, build visions for the future. We need to respect this.

Sincerely, Ann Munt

I would like to second what Ewert Martens and Laura Schlatter said.

Based on the turnout and comments at a meeting of the immediate neighbors of the Birchwood, there is great support for keeping the Birchwood where it is, or very close to where it is.

So far, I believe the immediate neighbors have been adequately included in the early stages of the decision and design process. We have not been given any reason to believe our voices will not be heard in the process.

Susan Kolstad, there is an operating business in the building at 35th Avenue and 25th Street (formerly Tri-State Bearing). Through the great efforts of some of the neighbors, the owner is cleaning up his property and improving his business practices, and his changes are very much appreciated.

Thank you, vargodaggett, for the information. I was told by a neighbor on the north side of 25th St that there is not an active business in the former Tri-State Building.

I would be interested in knowing what the business is that is there. Also, I also have spoken with people who live within a block of the Birchwood Cafe who do not know that there is even a question of expansion. Is the list of people who were at the January meeting available?

Is "up" not an option? Perhaps that was mentioned early on as a zoning no-no and I missed it. I'm certainly not an expert, either. Therre are many eating establishments with successful second story seating areas.

I certainly support retaining the three businesses acress the street from the Birchwood--goodness knows, we Sewardians pride ourselves on doing business locally. I love the testimonials from patrons of all three establishments--their passion is why I love living here.

Did anyone discuss swapping locations? I don't know what kind of square footage is involved, but imagine the wellness center and the salon in Birchwood's existing space . . . is that possible?

I hope all these precious thriving businesses remain in our beloved neighborhood.

A number of people have referenced "expansion". As I understand it, Tracy is not looking to significantly increase the number of seats at the Birchwood. Rather, the restaurant needs a better kitchen just to serve its current patrons, and an expanded kitchen would also accommodate catering.

We did discuss "up" at the neighbors' meeting, as well as expanding into the lots to the west and/or south of the current location (both properties owned by Tracy).

I agree with Shelley - let's be supportive of all our Seward businesses.

The letter Tracy sent that begins this series of comments states, in part that she is looking at "...options to meet space needs of my growing business; we are, quite literally, bursting at the seams. .... As we have outgrown our space, we face too many challenges to continue operating as we have and scaling back is not a sustainable option the Birchwood could not continue. I need to know that continuing to reinvest in my current location will give me the room we need to grow and lend support for our continued success."

To readers this implies an increase in the number of customers, not simply a larger kitchen. This is a good problem to have. As I read the comments here, they are supportive of all the businesses concerned with the possible exception of the laundromat, which to many seems to be invisible. The issue is what the specific move discussed will mean to the people involved and the neighborhood.

Tracy has done an exceptional job of creating her business and connecting to a part of the community. I believe she is monitoring the comments here, will be informed by them, and use this information as she proceeds with her plans. Hopefully, the outcome will be good for everyone.

This sounds like it would make the neighborhood too busy and commercial and the parking would be a real headache.

I live a block away from the Birchwood and River Road Hair Designers. When I moved into the neighborhood in 1994, I decided to use River Road Hair Designers as my hair salon. It was close and I liked that I could support a local business. Mona bought it, and I found out that she had grown up in the neighborhood. She cut my child’s hair while growing up, and I knew that I could always turn to her for hair help for my daughter’s special occasions. For years I have depended upon her shop for all my hair care needs. I have also had to use the laundromat several times.

I whole-heartedly agree with my daughter, Clara Schultz in that economically to take out three thriving businesses for the expansion of one business in a community that values the worth of spending their money locally sounds ludicrous. Tracey’s idea of having a deli, sit down resturaunt, and catering in the larger building, does not sound profifitable, considering the allegience to the deli and coffee shop at the Seward Co-Op, and like the Birchwood, its food is good, but not cheap.

The food at the Birchwood is wonderful! A bigger space for patrons to eat is needed but not at the expense of taking out three viable businesses. I feel that a creative solution can be found to meet the needs of the Birchwood, while also keeping River Road Hair Designers, the Laundromat, and Three Smooth Stones solvent and they can continue to serve the local community and those who specifically come to this neighborhood to patronize some of the businesses.

Questions:
If the building is not for sale, why is Tracy having negotioations with Mike Lupient, the owner of the building?
Is the 'honest, constructive, ongoing commnuication' between Tracy and Ramona Bolton and Bob Modaff actually happening?
What is realy going on here?

We learned at the Seward Community Development meeting last night that the owner of the building is no longer interested in talking about selling.

An interesting suggestion was made at the meeting although it was not part of the official discussion and may not show up in the minutes. It was suggested that the house on the corner be moved to the lot south of it and Birchwood be expanded to the west.

The house would act as a buffer to the next neighbor and the Cafe would be facing on the block long commercial district at that end of 25th Street.

Can't Birchwood simply find another location in the neighborhood that doesn't compromise other businesses? I think it would be a better option for EVERYBODY because you are expanding on multiple levels here.

We are already sick of our neighborhood residential parking being flooded, it will be even worse if there is an expansion. Have some consideration. I think you should take your building elsewhere or tear your own house down on the corner to make room for this said kitchen. Stop being so selfish.

I had lived just around the corner of Birchwood Dairy and then the Cafe for 8+ years and when the cafe moved in, it was a welcome business. Was a delight to have a nice, quaint coffee shop to walk to. I moved to Longfellow and my friends and I would drive and meet @ the cafe but as we all know the small business has grown. Parking was a big issue then and even moreso today. So bad we don't even think of meeting there because of where to park and then to find a table to eat at. When I lived there I was a weekly customer at the laundrymat and currently a customer at the hair salon. It is a great asset to have small, thriving businesses within a neighborhood and I can't understand why Tracy would want to relocate 3 wonderful, businesses. There are many vacant buildings within a one-mile area that would certainly support her expansion. They also have the added parking that she so much needs as well She should expand to one of those and keep her "quaint-small" coffee shop (just like the one she started out with). With the proposal that she was seeking reminds me of the "Walmart's" moving on the edge of a small town in USA. Soon those small businesses that had once strived for so many years, have dry up and are never seen again. I just can't imagine the neighborhood group or the City Council Member supporting such a thought.

Before you leave a comment on this thread (or any other), please make sure it furthers the discussion and is respectful. If it isn't, it will be deleted.

The Manager