Business owners on Main Street are feeling the effects of the projected 16-week revitalization project that started May 24 and has closed vehicle access along 50 Street.
“We do have a back entrance and parking in the back,” said Danna Melnyk of The Gift Loft. She said there's been a noticeable difference in traffic since construction began last week and thinks some people don't realize that there is still pedestrian access and parking.
Nina Smith of Nummies by Mummies has also noticed business slowed down for the first couple of days but said it started to pick up a bit again Thursday.
“One customer wished the signs for the detour and parking were pushed back a bit more,” said Smith of what she's heard.
She also said it's hard to tell if the slow down was because of the construction or the rainy weather that also started last week.
Michael Thorn, owner/operator for Chads420 Smoke Shop, said it's been business as usual but noted he's a new business and doesn't have anything to compare to.
Craig Teal, director of planning and development said last Thursday they were still in the process getting all of the detour and routing signs in place.
“Work started in the intersection of 53 and 50 — our lowest spot. Right now it's partially closed to traffic. The intent is to get in and do the repair we have to and then reopen it a bit more for traffic to be able to go north across there and then go up 53 and go across the north side of downtown. Hopefully by this time next week it will be reopened.” He said the overall project is planned for the next 16 weeks. Currently copies of the parking options, detour routes and construction scheduling, set up in two week increments, is available at the town office. He is also hoping to get the plans up online sometime this week.
“It tries to explain what we are starting, and continuing.” he said the work is set up to start in the west and head east.
“So if you can visualize, one crew does the underground work then another group comes in and specializes in rebuilding and doing road stuff. Then another crew behind them specializes in the sidewalk, another beginning them to do the landscape, then another crew to do the paving.”
The town held two meetings this month with property owners and business owners in the affected area May 17 and May 23.
“We did host two meetings to go over construction with them and any issues they're anticipating or encountering already. It seems things to be going well.” He said another meeting is scheduled for the end of June and hopefully two more meetings after that. He said these meetings will be open to the general public as well and will be offered as a “check up meeting” to bring everybody up to speed.
“I think the big point is businesses are open during construction,” said Teal. “Follow the paths, follow the markings. It's unavoidable (construction) but I'm sure at the end of 16 weeks we'll all be happy with the final project.”
