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Village Square business owners press council for bridge update as salon owner says sales evaporated
Summary
Salon owner Maria Fauciolo told the council she and other Village Square businesses have lost customers since a nearby bridge was closed; the mayor said NJDOT is working biweekly and county support and grants are available, with a likely partial reopening before year-end.
WEST WINDSOR — Business owners from the Village Square shopping center told the West Windsor Township Council on July 13 that a months-long bridge closure has devastated local traffic and commerce.
"I've had the salon there for 33 years... It's been 8 months now... I don't think we can even hold on for 9 more months," Maria Fauciolo said during the public-comment period, laying out falling foot traffic, lost staff and requests for information on emergency aid and the status of a "state of emergency." (speaker 10.)
Mayor (speaker 14) responded that the township is coordinating with NJDOT, the county and state offices. He said NJDOT provides bi-weekly updates and "They have promised to open it before end of the year. It will open 1 way at a time." He also noted county efforts to provide a direct payment to affected businesses and that some New Jersey state grant programs may cover prior eligible projects.
The mayor and council encouraged affected businesses to continue direct engagement with township economic-development staff, county representatives and available state programs. He also said the township has scheduled a likely site visit with the county executive for July 29 so residents and business owners can share concerns in person.
Why it matters: Local small businesses say the bridge closure has eliminated through-traffic to the shopping center, creating immediate cash-flow pressures for long-standing neighborhood businesses.
What happens next: The mayor said continued intergovernmental work is under way and promised to provide meeting confirmations and follow-up to businesses who sign up for updates.
