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Main Street merchant warns of lost business as streetscape construction drags on
Summary
Merchant Brett Bland told the council his antique business on West Main has seen no customers for three weeks due to construction and asked the city to install directional signage or otherwise help merchants; council and staff said they obtained the railroad permit and will remobilize the contractor.
During the public-comment period, Brett Bland said prolonged downtown construction has cut off walk-in customers for Main Street businesses and asked for assistance such as directional signage or other short-term measures. "Nothing has happened for 21 days. I am out of business," Bland told council members, citing neighboring merchants who have closed or are considering closing.
Council members and city staff discussed possible temporary signage, use of the city's digital sign and expedited work by the contractor now that a right-of-entry permit from the railroad has been secured. City Administrator Bronson said the contractor should remobilize now that the permit arrived, and that staff would help identify sign locations and coordinate flaggers and traffic control for safety.
Councilors also discussed postponing a planned downtown cleanup because of safety concerns around cones and diverted traffic, and agreed to prioritize messaging and temporary signage to help direct customers while construction continues.
