Businesses along East Washington Avenue have voiced concerns about losses due to recent roadwork, according to NBC15. Construction on the road between Breese Stevens Field and the Capitol building began on April 13 and is scheduled to end in the fall.
Chalmers Jewelers owner Scott Chalmers reported a 40% drop in business due in large part to bad road traffic and sidewalk work impeding foot traffic.
Vintage Brewing Company has attributed a 20–30% drop in sales to construction as well. Due to lost sales, the restaurant has cut eight–10 jobs in the past six weeks.
Cargo Coffee has reported slow business as well, citing traffic problems that impact its drive-thru service.
Chalmers has called on the city to financially compensate him and other impacted owners to support them through potential business losses due to continued construction over the next several months.
