Retailers open for business

Construction crews will attempt to minimize any inconveniences.
By JOHN W. GOODWIN JR.
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
BOARDMAN -- With work to widen South Avenue from Presidential Drive to Western Reserve Road under way, retail business owners along the road are eager about the project's completion, but less than excited about the construction phase.
The groundbreaking ceremony for the project was last week, and it is expected to be finished in July 2003. Most retail business managers just want the public to know their businesses are still open and accessible without major problems during the construction.
Tony Smaldino operates the Sunrise Farm Market -- a cooked-food and grocery business that relies heavily on customers' having easy access to the building -- on the corner of South Avenue and Western Reserve Road. He said the project will be very beneficial to his and other business on South Avenue in the long run.
It's the short-term effect, however, that he is most concerned about.
Smaldino said the project could have a damaging effect on his business during construction unless the public is reassured that going through the area will not be a hassle. He has already noticed a decrease in the number of cars traveling past his business since it was announced that construction would begin.
"We just have to get through it," Smaldino said with a slight shrug of the shoulders. "We are hoping to survive, but I don't think we will thrive. People avoid construction, but I think we will be all right."
Will increase traffic flow: Andrew Lehner, owner of Furniture Wholesalers on South Avenue, agrees with Smaldino. He is eager for the project to be completed because it will keep traffic flowing on the street more steadily, especially in the afternoon. He said the dirt and mess of construction work is not something he is looking forward to.
Ray Paris, manager of The Brushless Car Wash on South Avenue, said his situation is similar -- operating a business that deals directly with cars that pull in off the street. He anticipates a major increase in business once the project is completed. More cars -- that are in need of cleaning -- and easier access to his lot translate into increased business, he said.
Paris said the business, however, may suffer some famine before the feast. He said most people do not want to drive through construction to wash their car -- then go back out onto a street where it will get dirty again.
Not as worried: Those businesses that do not rely on off-the-street or walk-in customers do not seem to be as concerned.
Regan Mitchell, regional marketing manager at Cellular One, which has an office complex on South Avenue, expects no problems during the construction or after the project is completed.
"We are looking forward to the project being completed because it will mean easier access to our parking lot, especially in the afternoon where a left turn onto South Avenue can take as long as 10 minutes," she said.
Jerry Bailey of A.P. O'Horo, contractor for the project, said there will be some inconveniences but his office will try to minimize any problems. He said all appropriate detour signs and control measures will be in place.
"We will make every attempt possible to keep access to the businesses clear," he said.
jgoodwin@vindy.com