Road open, businesses open

Photo: Wayne Moore - Castanet

About a dozen business owners met with city officials Wednesday concerning the Lakeshore Road construction project

Businesses along Lakeshore Road are open despite construction between Cook Road and Lexington Drive.

That's the message a dozen business owners wanted to get out during a meeting with city and project officials Wednesday afternoon.

While generally pleased with the level of communication and support of the project, some business owners were upset with signs stating 'Road Closed, Local Traffic Only.'

"That's not true," said Maurice Matte about the wording on the sign, owner of Mission Superwash.

Matte said signs should read 'No Through Road, Construction Zone.'

"Signage is standardized by the local bylaws and provincial and national standards but we are committed to supporting the businesses," said city spokesperson, Kelly Kay.

"A number of additional signs have been added. We will be continuing to evaluate the signage on the detour routes just to make sure it is being effective."

As for the road closed signs, Kay said she will have to speak with the project manager to determine whether those can be changed.

"We understand this entire project is a challenge for businesses located in this area and we will be doing everything we can to support them," said Kay.

While there were concerns about some signage, overall, business owners were pleased with Wednesday's meeting.

Linda Russell, owner of Total E'Clips, said she really didn't learn anything new at the meeting but said she is pleased they are getting updates in the form of letters and these face-to-face-meetings.

Part of the construction project is the replacement of the Lakeshore Road bridge.

While Russell said she is disappointed a promised footbridge will not be erected, she is adapting and moving on.

"We get a lot of guests coming from Manteo all summer long so now we are picking them up and bring them here," said Russell.

"You have to (adapt) - we have no control. What are you going to do. You're going to be really upset and waste all that energy on nothing."

Sharon Gray is the owner of Mission Meats at the south end of the project on Lexington and Lakeshore.

Gray said she was satisfied with what the city said regarding signage and is pleased businesses are being allowed to erect their own signs.

"We can put signage on our own properties and, with that said, we are the corner lot and if the businesses here was to put up some sort of signage on our lot to direct people down, that's just fine with us," said Gray.

The $11M project is expected to be completed in the fall.