Does the City of Saint Paul value small businesses, or not? I see two versions of St. Paul’s business community. On the one hand, St. Paul is rich with historic spaces and entrepreneurs that embody our city’s unique culture and potential. On the other hand, St. Paul’s existing businesses are c losing at an alarming rate: Just last month the downtown’s Lunds & Byerlys joined that list. St. Paul’s Mayor Carter has publicly acknowledged small businesses as the “lifeblood” and “backbone” of the community. But the City’s Planning and Economic Development Department’s indifference toward Saint Paul Brewing at the Hamm’s complex redevelopment tell a different story. The Hamm’s Brewery campus on St. Paul’s East Side is one of our city’s most iconic landmarks and has unlimited potential. Since taking ownership of Saint Paul Brewing in 2020, I’m proud that the business has become a valued asset on the East Side, attracting tens of thousands of annual visitors from within the neighborhood, the city, across the state, and beyond. Saint Paul Brewing is growing, and we are ready to expand services to two more floors. As early as this summer, the old 11 Wells is poised to re-open as a cocktail tasting room and a 21+ mini golf attraction. Unfortunately, the City PED is advancing a Hamm’s redevelopment concept that threatens the survival of my business and jeopardizes the jobs of 100+ employees, as well as over $3 million in annual payroll and benefits. The City’s Hamm’s development vision has two parts. I fully support the first part, the renovation of the historic Hamm’s buildings into 89 affordable housing units and a commercial marketplace for 30-50 entrepreneurs. However, I’m concerned about the second part of the proposal, which would permanently eliminate the critical on-site patron parking to make way for a new-construction apartment building. Over the past two years, I have asked that the city “press pause” on this second component, allowing the historic buildings to be completed before the new construction begins. I do not believe this needs to be an “either or” situation. I deeply support the reuse of the Hamm’s site, I support affordable housing, and I believe a phased approach to the development will advance both AND help everyone be successful. I have repeatedly asked the City to discuss this logical phased approach. But the City has informed me they remain unwilling to compromise and plan to proceed with both phases of the redevelopment. Just in recent days, we invited City officials to participate in an open house to hear community response to the proposed redevelopment, but they did not attend. I am not able to stand by and watch the city destroy the destination businesses my team has built and our vision for the future without exhausting all of my options, ideas, and resources. The City’s “thoughts and prayers” style response to my requests for creative problem solving and assistance is troubling. Supporting small businesses is not simply a matter of rhetoric; it requires concrete action and a genuine commitment to creating an environment where these businesses can thrive. I urge the City to recognize the positive contributions my business has made to the neighborhood, the potential we have if we work together, and to take action to support and protect it — before it is gone. I remain committed to collaborating and finding a solution that benefits all parties involved and aligns with City leaders’ emphasis on the importance of small businesses. I am open to exploring all options and keen to discuss them before further time and resources are expended. Rob Clapp is a social entrepreneur and developer. He is the co-founder and chief experience officer of Can Can Wonderland, a whimsical arts and entertainment venue in St. Paul, and owner of Saint Paul Brewing, a destination eatery and patio in the historic Hamm’s Brewing Complex. ...read more read less