A downtown construction project that has been ongoing since May 7 has some local businesses struggling to adjust to a decrease in customers.
The sewage reconstruction project taking place along Albert Avenue, between Charles Street and Grove Street has significantly impacted the amount of foot traffic to Leo’s Coney Island, 333 Albert Ave., General Manager Sean Morris said. Although he understands the need for safety precautions, the construction has made it more difficult for customers to reach the restaurant’s entrance, putting some financial strain on the business.
Morris said some days the restaurant may close early due to lack of customers, and since construction has began, those days have become more frequent.
“Any kind of drop in business always has some financial hardships,” he said. “It has made it harder in general, but we have made some necessary adjustments and getting ready for when construction is completed.”
Morris added although the construction has been a challenge to deal with, the city of East Lansing has been very helpful communicating with himself and the owner to ensure that hardship is limited.
On June 4, the city hosted a meet and greet session with the community to welcome Leo’s — which opened November 2011 — and also to get its name out there during the construction period.
“The meet and greet’s intent is to help the downtown businesses,” Director of Planning and Community Development Tim Dempsey said. “It’s a networking opportunity, but we’ve utilized the more recent ones to expand communication during these construction projects.”
Another business impacted by the construction has been Buffalo Wild Wings, 360 Albert Ave. General Manager Aaron Weiner said the drop-off in traffic is minimal, but for a few days the construction forced the restaurant to reroute customers from its front doors, to an emergency exit.
“Numbers-wise we saw an impact those few days,” he said.
Weiner also has had good communication with the city during construction, but recalled a recent incident that had a negative impact on a customer who was picking up a large takeout order for a graduation party.
He said the customer was forced to park in front of the building since the construction had limited parking on the street, and within the short amount of time she was in the restaurant, was issued a parking violation.
“The construction team and the city has been great, keeping us informed and asking if we needed help, but I wish they would be a little more flexible with people coming to the downtown area,” Morris said. “(They’re already) dealing with construction and spending money despite that, and then they get a parking ticket.”
Construction on the project will continue throughout the summer and is slated to be completed in August.
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