I am a concerned citizen of Eagan, MN, and I feel profoundly troubled by the City Council’s current direction our beloved former Kowalski’s storefront is heading. This site, symbol of local commerce and unity, is in danger of transformation - a metamorphosis that could permanently change the fabric of our local economy. This storefront, now standing hauntingly vacant, used to be the face of our vibrant public retail and boosted our town's economy. 

Allowing this structure to be repurposed for private use would undeniably impact our day-to-day life and potentially exclude a larger proportion of our town's population from enjoying the services and shops it could house. Local retail brings in considerable financial flow to our town and provides employment opportunities for our citizens. It’s estimated that independent retailers return more than three times as much money per dollar of sales to the community in which they operate compared to chain competitors (Retail Alliance, 2019).

We as a community need to stand up and preserve the Kowalski’s former location for public retail, to maintain our local color and charm, and to invite a positive economic uplift. By keeping this storefront public, we are not just protecting a building; we are preserving the heart of our community.

It is time we raise our voice to save our community's commonwealth. Sign this petition to ask our local representatives to keep the former Kowalski’s location for public retail. With your signature, we take a stand for Eagan's economic growth and community uniqueness. Let's protect our local economy, let's protect Eagan. Please, sign & share this petition today. Thank you!