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Downtown businesses tell Annapolis council CityDock construction is hurting foot traffic and sales
Summary
Several downtown business owners told the City Council that CityDock construction and reduced Dock Street parking have sharply reduced customers and revenue; gallery and restaurant owners pressed for better notice, signage and support from the city and contractor Whiting‑Turner.
Business owners who operate on or near Dock Street told the Annapolis City Council on Jan. 12 that ongoing CityDock construction has cut foot traffic and parking and is threatening longtime local businesses.
Patty Templeton, general manager of Biddy and Bowes at 124 Dock Street, said promised signage and other mitigation measures have not appeared and described a nearby business closure. “It’s a dead zone down there,” Templeton said, adding concern for employees, many of whom she said have intellectual disabilities.
Samantha Wilkerson, owner of the Annapolis Marine Art Gallery at 110 Dock Street, said the gallery has been at that location for 47 years and is likely to close if conditions continue. Wilkerson said she was told in May 2025 that Upper Dock Street parking would remain until September 2026; she said that has now been moved up and project completion dates have slipped from May 2027 toward 2028. “By taking away so much parking and by putting up fencing, you're taking away foot traffic,” Wilkerson said.
Mayor Littman acknowledged the inconvenience of the CityDock work and said the city coordinated with Whiting‑Turner to delay closures but could no longer avoid certain impacts because of space constraints and the need to work adjacent to an environmentally sensitive estuary. The mayor said the city will provide enhanced signage, advertise parking at the Mills Hillman (Hillman) Garage and maintain two‑way communications with affected businesses; Harbormaster Beth Bellas was thanked for outreach.
Multiple speakers asked for better, earlier notice and for mitigation — including clearer Hillman Garage parking directions, easier payment methods for seniors and direct business outreach. Several said that project timelines, communications about staging, and funds or supports to offset lost revenue remain unclear. The council did not announce an immediate compensation or mitigation program on Jan. 12; multiple speakers said they expect follow‑up from city economic development and project managers.
