Construction work slows business

SANDPOINT — Construction on Second Avenue may be good for civic infrastructure, but according to businesses along the street, it’s bad for their bottom lines.

The construction project, slated to occur from Oct. 19 to as late as Nov. 24 between Pine and Main Street, is poised to completely renovate Second Avenue, improving everything from road quality to aesthetic value. But in the meantime, the work has turned the street’s sidewalk into a muddy mess and the road is closed to traffic as of Thursday.

“The construction’s been going on for two days now, but this is the first time they’ve gated off the street,” said Maddie Kirchgestner, an employee at Bangkok Cuisine Thai.

“We’re going to be coming up on our peak season pretty soon,” said Rory Whitney, owner of 7B Board Shop. “If people stop showing up because of the construction, it could put us out of business.”

It’s particularly bad timing for Whitney, who just opened his snowboard shop in August and is trying to build his customer base.

“People need to know that the businesses here are still open and still accessible,” he said.

Joe’s Authentic Philly Cheesesteak is feeling the sting as while. By noon on Friday, they had only received three lunch orders as compared to their regular 20 or more.

“I think the communication to the businesses could have been better,” owner Pam Lueck said. “I was told that the street wouldn’t be blocked off until later on in the construction period, and now we have a gated road.”

The area’s business owners all understand the reasons for the construction and don’t argue its necessity. They said that they simply want Sandpoint residents to know that they’re still there and still dependent on their customers.

“There’s more parking available on Church Street than I’ve seen in a long time,” Lueck said. “So people definitely have options if they want to reach us.”

But not all Second Avenue businesses are suffering from uncomfortably light cash registers. Jim Aiken of the Pend Oreille Barber Shop says his clients show up regardless of Second Avenue’s condition.

“I’ve got my regulars and they know where to find me,” he said.

 Pat Chitlungsei, owner of Bangkok Cuisine Thai, also reported no noticeable impact to her business. The noise from the construction work isn’t particularly noticeable indoors, and the business has opened its Church Street entrance to increase customer convenience.

“I’m staying optimistic and keeping a positive outlook,” Chitlungsei said. “The work that they’re doing will be for the best in the end.”