I am writing this after watching the demolition of the Plaza mall ("Duluth strip mall razed for new CVS," Nov. 12).
I had a business in the center for more than 33 years, Plaza Hairstyles. I feel I was treated as not important and left in the dark during the negotiations that led to the demolition. I had two years of stress while the landlord and CVS decided on the sale of the shopping center.
During that time I was not able to hire or grow my business as I waited for my fate. Any information I received was from other tenants. I still had a lease, but a clause put in my newest lease stated I could be given three months' notice to vacate. I was told in October I had to leave by March or pay a $1,000-per-day penalty. One of my people was allowed to stay an extra two weeks until she could open a new salon.
I want everyone to know that all I received from CVS were three months of free rent. Because I was a small, independent business, it seemed I wasn't important.
I hope everyone remembers my experience. It was very stressful. Please remember this as you pick your drugstore.
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Lynn Levine
Duluth
