N. Roosevelt Business Owners Hanging On With End In Sight

 

By John Andola

 

More night work and double crews will be in evidence as the North Roosevelt Blvd. construction project tackles accommodating the many extra driveways on the south side of the boulevard, according to project spokesman Dean Walters.

 

 

 

Entering the parking areas for many of those businesses recently has become a very thorny and complex task. One needs the help and patience of other drivers on the road as well as the help of construction workers.

 

 

 

Actually, the construction workers have been very helpful assisting drivers as they maneuver the various barriers and hurdles blocking their way to local businesses. As the project enters its final months, nearly all drivers have become more courteous and patient as others enter and exit the main stream of traffic.

 

 

 

On Salt Run Bridge large sewer and water lines have been temporarily rerouted above the bridge as they go over the concrete parapet onto the sidewalk area and room is made for new pipes to be installed. This is a complex part of the project and is taking more time than anticipated, according to Walters. The entire project is still scheduled to be completed by the maximum incentive date of July 21. If the project is completed by that date, the construction company earns an additional $1.5 million for its good efforts. The construction company loses $100,000 of that incentive for every day beyond July 21 that the project is not completed.

 

 

 

In addition the construction company will begin accruing fines if the time extends beyond a period calculated to allow for lost time due to bad weather.

 

 

 

“Business is definitely down, but we are surviving.” “I’m just over it and hanging on, waiting for this mess to end.” These are two comments from North Roosevelt business people that reflect the current attitude of most of the small business owners. There is consensus among these people that creating lanes for two-way traffic on the boulevard has greatly improved customer access to their businesses. Large construction equipment close to the business entrance still creates a barrier to access and is a frustration to business owners especially when that equipment stands idle for several days or even weeks. One sandwich shop owner was about to call it quits because business had decreased tremendously prior to allowing for two-way traffic. When two-way traffic was again permitted, his business increased to a level that allowed it to remain open.

 

 

 

Each small business has different needs and has experienced different problems related to the construction project and the way traffic has been directed. One barbershop, for example, lost a lot of business during the one-way traffic because military personnel were directed to use Flagler Avenue, bypassing his shop. When two-way traffic resumed, military personnel from the Bight area were again directed to use the Boulevard and business increased. At least two or three other businesses were not so lucky and have closed in the last couple months.

 

 

 

Another mom and pop storeowner indicated business has dropped off considerably since the construction began and two-way traffic has not helped much at all. A local eatery claims having a sign man on the road calling attention to their business actually has increased business. In addition this restaurant has a rather large delivery business that has helped them survive.

 

 

 

Yet, another business owner catering to tourists says that business is down considerably not only because of the construction, but also because of the many hotel closures up by the Triangle. Also the cold and snowy weather up north has also had an impact as people from storm affected areas had to cancel trips because of airport closings. This marine business is placing a strong effort on contracting for future reservations to survive.

 

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