Business briefs: West St. Paul unsure about subsidies for Ten Acres redevelopment

West St. Paul officials would prefer medical businesses, bookstores and full-service restaurants to fill the soon-to-be-upgraded Ten Acres Center strip mall.

But City Council members voiced some concerns about a staff recommendation to give $5,000 to $25,000 in subsidies to center owner Jerry's Enterprises for each preferred business that occupied one of the satellite buildings on the site.

Recently, the strip mall near S. Robert Street and Mendota Road got city approval for redevelopment. Plans included a new gas station/car wash and several spots for restaurants.

After some City Council members said they worried about the type of businesses that would occupy the center, plans were changed to reduce the number of drive-through lanes and relocate several trash enclosures.

Currently, the center includes a Cub Foods, a Burlington Coat Factory and several smaller businesses.

"I find it hard to support a subsidy to a national chain and risking our local businesses losing on this," said City Council member Darlene Lewis.

Officials are expected to meet with developers soon to discuss subsidy options.

The City Council approved the lease last week for the group, whose job it is to promote the city's attractions to potential visitors.

The bureau's current office is in a building across W. Burnsville Pkwy from the Heart of the City, next to the city's chamber of commerce.

"We're very excited about the new space, the new opportunity that it brings to the CVB and also to the Performing Arts Center," said Amie Burrill, executive director of the visitors bureau.

Author to discuss book on businessAuthor Michelle Novak will talk about her book, "Managing Your Business the Toddler Way: Practical Steps for Starting Your Business that are Inspired by Childhood," at the Dakota County Heritage Library in Lakeville at 4 p.m. Tuesday.

In the book, Novak uses childhood adventures and business examples to teach entrepreneurs about how to turn their ideas into successful business ventures. The book is aimed at entrepreneurs who work from home.

Dakota County Library programs are free and open to the public.