Local businesses along Main Street in downtown Burlington are facing ongoing challenges as construction continues to reshape the area.For months, businesses on Main Street have expressed concerns about the ongoing construction.Detours, road closures, and limited access to storefronts have made it difficult for customers to reach many local businesses.At Skirack, a downtown business, co-owner John George-Wheeler emphasized the importance of the infrastructure improvements but acknowledged the challenges they present to his customers.“Burlington obviously needs the infrastructural development, no doubt. However, it adds an obstacle to people getting downtown and shopping,” said George-Wheeler.Despite these obstacles, he is optimistic about the holiday season and encourages shoppers to continue supporting businesses.“We call on all our neighbors to come downtown. Whether you want to shop at Ski Rack or Patagonia, Burlington, or just go out to lunch and check out the lights, that’s a win for downtown,” said George-Wheeler.Just down the street at Dirt Chic, owner Anya Huneke shared her perspective on the challenges of the construction.“Initially, it was tough to maneuver around because it suddenly stopped all flow of traffic in front of our business. But now people know it’s there, so they just build it into their plans,” said Huneke.To help mitigate the challenges posed by ongoing construction, Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak announced that the city is bringing back its popular holiday parking service.“We brought back a version of holiday parking. Starting on Thanksgiving and running through New Year’s Day, we’ll have 99 cents per-hour parking on the street, and free parking in the parking garage,” Mulvaney-Stanak said.Kara Alnasrawi, the Director of Business & Workforce Development, says she’s hopeful that these efforts will make it easier for Vermonters to shop locally, boosting the downtown economy.”Come downtown and shop, and recognize how important it is to support your local businesses. Remember that these business owners come here every day, and their staff come here every day. They are our friends, our neighbors, and it is important to support them,” Alnasrawi said.Both local business owners and city leaders are optimistic about the upcoming holiday shopping season. While they acknowledge the disruptions caused by construction, they are confident the Queen City will see a great turnout.
Local businesses along Main Street in downtown Burlington are facing ongoing challenges as construction continues to reshape the area.
For months, businesses on Main Street have expressed concerns about the ongoing construction.
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Detours, road closures, and limited access to storefronts have made it difficult for customers to reach many local businesses.
At Skirack, a downtown business, co-owner John George-Wheeler emphasized the importance of the infrastructure improvements but acknowledged the challenges they present to his customers.
“Burlington obviously needs the infrastructural development, no doubt. However, it adds an obstacle to people getting downtown and shopping,” said George-Wheeler.
Despite these obstacles, he is optimistic about the holiday season and encourages shoppers to continue supporting businesses.
“We call on all our neighbors to come downtown. Whether you want to shop at Ski Rack or Patagonia, Burlington, or just go out to lunch and check out the lights, that’s a win for downtown,” said George-Wheeler.
Just down the street at Dirt Chic, owner Anya Huneke shared her perspective on the challenges of the construction.
“Initially, it was tough to maneuver around because it suddenly stopped all flow of traffic in front of our business. But now people know it’s there, so they just build it into their plans,” said Huneke.
To help mitigate the challenges posed by ongoing construction, Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak announced that the city is bringing back its popular holiday parking service.
“We brought back a version of holiday parking. Starting on Thanksgiving and running through New Year’s Day, we’ll have 99 cents per-hour parking on the street, and free parking in the parking garage,” Mulvaney-Stanak said.
Kara Alnasrawi, the Director of Business & Workforce Development, says she’s hopeful that these efforts will make it easier for Vermonters to shop locally, boosting the downtown economy.
“Come downtown and shop, and recognize how important it is to support your local businesses. Remember that these business owners come here every day, and their staff come here every day. They are our friends, our neighbors, and it is important to support them,” Alnasrawi said.
Both local business owners and city leaders are optimistic about the upcoming holiday shopping season. While they acknowledge the disruptions caused by construction, they are confident the Queen City will see a great turnout.
