Small businesses voice concern over impact of ongoing construction, expansion in downtown Las Vegas
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) – There seems to be nowhere to go to escape the caution cones. Even in downtown Las Vegas, ongoing construction for road improvements and expansion can come at the expense of local eateries.
One of the many projects includes the City of Las Vegas’s Seventh Street Complete Street Project. Much of the work is being done at Carson and 7th, which is right where the restaurant “eat. The Breakfast & Lunch Joint” is located in the downtown area.
Owner and Chef Natalie Young told 8 News Now she is all for growth, but not the growing pains.
“There are tons of construction with no one out managing the construction,” Young said. “The traffic is horrible and I think as a city and a community we can do better.”
On top of events in the area, including Mint 400 on Thursday, The Seventh Street project is causing bumps in the road. The project includes work on sewer and storm drains, road and traffic signal improvement, wider sidewalks, and landscaping.
However, more work can mean more hassle for customers such as Joe Mullen. He and his foodie friends encountered traffic and congestion from the construction.
Young shared that the front view of Carson has remained for months. A sea of orange cones, and no parking on either side of the street. However, it is not the work she takes issue with, but rather the lack of communication, for this and other projects.
“I’m not just speaking up for myself. It is the Arts District, F1, East Charleston, it just keeps happening and no one is doing anything to change it,” Young said.
The City of Las Vegas sent a statement that read in part, “The city understands roadwork can be a hardship on businesses and has made sure business access is maintained, as well as having signage.” It continued that communication has come from the contractor, and city updates.
Young said that communication is recent, over the last couple of weeks. She questioned whether city departments are on the same page. The work won’t be done until the end of May.
“Communication and consideration. You know, my rent is still due, my taxes are still due, but I can’t do business if the customers can’t get to the restaurant,” Young said.
The Seventh Street Project is not the only roadwork in the area. There’s the renovation and expansion of Las Vegas Academy at 7th and Clark as well as the civic plaza bordered by Main Street, Clark Avenue, First Street, and Bonneville Avenue.
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