How is the Streetscape Affecting Local Businesses?

Nyack's —a $1.3 million overhaul of Main Street—promises a new downtown aesthetic. But how is the process of getting there, which entails months of construction, impacting local business owners?

Currently, construction crews and vehicles have taken up residence along Main Street. Wet cement and caution tape have sealed off portions of the roadways and sidewalks, forcing some merchants to utilize their backdoors and side entrances. , but merchants have more at stake.

"We've definitely seen fewer customers," explained Lisa Litman, who co-owns , a sprawling toy store at 112 Main Street in Nyack. Sign of the Times has been a Nyack staple since 1988, and the summer is its busiest season.

"They'll wind up closing the street, and it's harder for people to find us," Litman continued. "There's no parking, and people don't know if we're open or closed."

But Litman says the temporary loss of business will be worth it in the long run. "That's why we're okay with [the Streetscape]—it needs to be done," she said. 

At a , Marianne Olive—who owns three businesses on Main Street, including the new German restaurant and popular night-spot —said ongoing construction can have a disastrous effect on merchants.

"There's no business [in certain areas]," Olive told the mayor and village trustees. "Since June, Olive's and Sour Kraut have had no lunch trade during the day. Normally, we see 40 or 50 people. It's a big hit on the income."

Olive suggested the village ease up on parking enforcement—and perhaps allow free night parking earlier than 9 p.m.—to encourage an uptick in shopping and dining. "We may have stores closing by February," she added.

The construction and project timeline were not surprises to merchants; village officials made sure to approach each affected business prior to beginning work. The construction was also broken down into four phases to have minimal impact on businesses.

"Merchants are pleased with the timeline," James Politi, Nyack's village administrator, explained in the spring . The final element of the project, repaving the roads, is expected to be completed no later than November 1.

Richard Kavesh, Nyack's mayor, noted that an overwhelming majority of merchants have been supportive of the construction. "It's a little dose of short-term pain for a large dose of long-term gain," he said. "We're ahead of schedule, and kept all our promises about minimizing impact on local businesses. We're doing our best to keep downtown functioning."

The Chamber of Commerce of the Nyacks has also taken an active role in overseeing the Streetscape work. A chamber representative is on site everyday, and the organization is urging business owners to report any problems to the village.

"Construction on Main Street is ahead of schedule. Some of you are happy; others are not," reads a recent release the chamber sent out to members. "Many of you were told last April that the jackhammers wouldn't be in front of your property until September. As with all construction projects, change is standard operating procedure. Please be patient and vigilant."

"Don't complain later when the work is done," the release continues. "Do it now. You have your own rights and need to speak up. The chamber is here to help you advocate for your business rights. You have to speak up, too. Together we will solve problems."