News Summary
A major construction project starting next week on Market Street in Old City will close the westbound lanes between 2nd and 6th Streets for three months. Local businesses fear significant declines in foot traffic and sales, with some reporting drops as high as 50%. Despite the inconveniences, improvements including new sidewalks and public spaces are anticipated. The city is providing grants to affected businesses and aims to minimize disruptions during the project. Local advocacy groups support the future enhancements for a better economy.
Philadelphia – A major construction project on Market Street in Old City is set to disrupt traffic and local businesses for at least three months, starting on Monday. The westbound lanes of Market Street will be closed between 2nd and 6th Streets, with the closure expected to last until November 17. Drivers will be detoured to alternate routes including Front, Arch, and 6th Streets.
Local business owners and residents have expressed significant concerns regarding the impact of these closures on foot traffic and sales. Businesses in the area fear that ongoing construction may deter potential customers. Early reports indicate that some establishments have experienced a noticeable decline in revenue as a direct result of the construction activities.
One establishment, The Angelo Pizza, reported a 25-30% drop in business attributed to ongoing disruptions. Another business, Coffee Tea and Company, suffered a decline of 40-50% in sales during previous construction projects. The project area will feature high chain-link fences that obstruct views of storefronts, further exacerbating the concern that potential customers may perceive the area as closed.
In addition to the roadwork, utility upgrades will be carried out along Market Street, and local SEPTA bus stops may also be affected by the ongoing construction. Notably, eastbound Market Street will remain open to traffic, providing some access for drivers traveling through the area.
Local residents have cited difficulties with daily activities, such as walking their dogs, due to the blockades and construction-related disruptions that have taken over sidewalks and streets. The City of Philadelphia, through spokesperson Andrew Young, has stated that efforts will be made to minimize disruptions and maintain communication with businesses and residents throughout the project’s duration.
This construction effort is a part of the larger Market Street Old City Improvement Project, which aims to enhance local amenities including sidewalks, bike lanes, and public spaces. Enhancements planned for the area include new cobblestones, public art installations, and bus stop bump-outs, all of which are intended to improve the long-term functionality and aesthetic appeal of Market Street.
Job Itzkowitz, the Executive Director of the Old City District, recognized the toll that ongoing construction may take on businesses but also emphasized the anticipated benefits once the improvements are complete. The city believes that these enhancements could ultimately contribute to a more vibrant local economy, fostering a better environment for residents and visitors alike.
To assist local businesses adversely affected by the construction, The Merchants Fund is currently offering grants of up to $20,000 to qualifying businesses to help mitigate economic losses during this challenging period.
In light of the disruptions, advocacy groups such as Philly Bike Action have voiced support for the planned improvements, suggesting that, although the short-term impacts may be challenging, the long-term benefits could result in a more prosperous local economy.
As construction continues, local business owners and residents remain hopeful that the eventual improvements will enhance the functionality and appearance of Market Street, positively impacting the community and bringing in more visitors post-construction.
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Additional Resources
- 6abc: Market Street Construction Concerns
- Billy Penn: Impact of Market Street Construction
- 13abc: Toledo Construction Delays
- Bend Bulletin: Minimizing Construction Disruption
- NBC Philadelphia: I-95 Construction Impact in Philadelphia
- Wikipedia: Construction
- Google Search: Construction Projects
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Construction
- Google News: Road Construction
- Google Scholar: Construction Effects on Business
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