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Woodstock business owners urge town to secure DOT coordination and mitigation for Complete Streets project
Summary
Local retailers and restaurateurs told the town board they support infrastructure improvements but worry DOT/Complete Streets construction during peak summer months will harm revenue and access. Business owners asked for a designated town liaison, a meeting with DOT and mitigation plans including temporary parking, signage and phased work to protect summer season sales.
A coalition of Woodstock business owners told the town board on June 2 that work on the DOT/Complete Streets projects, scheduled in the coming months, risks substantial disruption if conducted during peak summer season.
“We recognize this work is necessary…but we cannot support being left out of decisions that affect our ability to operate,” said Alyssa Gibson, who spoke with co‑owner Leah Hus. They requested a town‑designated liaison to coordinate with DOT and Complete Streets, a prompt meeting with the agencies and specific mitigation — temporary parking, clear signage, phasing and advocacy for timing that protects the summer economy.
Business owners said their summer revenue underwrites services and programs in town and asked whether the town could secure budgeted mitigation for affected businesses or otherwise advocate to shift major work outside the peak tourism months. They offered to organize a streamlined business contact list and to work with the town on outreach.
Why it matters: Woodstock’s peak season generates a majority of revenue for many year‑round small businesses; prolonged sidewalk and road work during summer could materially affect local employment and tax receipts.
Next steps: Business representatives asked the board to convene a meeting with DOT and Complete Streets staff and to name a town liaison; the board acknowledged the request and said the town would work to facilitate communications and coordinate timing where feasible.
