Street construction in the city of Oconto Falls is taking a toll on businesses on Chestnut Avenue, according to Andy Mercier, owner of Mercier’s Fast Stop, who spoke at a public informational meeting Friday.
In his bimonthly update, Duke Peters, project manager for Peters Concrete Company, said Chestnut Avenue at the railroad crossing will be closed for 21 days, so the area can be reconstructed and tracks relaid.
A 21-day street closure steps away from Mercier’s Fast Stop was not the kind of news Mercier wanted to hear. His livelihood depends on people driving to the Shell station and Subway restaurant at 221 N. Chestnut Ave. Sales are down 65 percent from a year ago, he said.
“Everybody thought it would be OK, but it’s not,” he said.
Downtown businesses will be the next to take a hit, when construction moves to Main Street in August, he said.
“It’s a project that has to be done, I understand that. I’m not blaming anybody,” he added.
He said it is important residents and visitors know businesses are open in the construction zone, including Mercier’s Fast Stop, The Penguin Again and Peshtigo National Bank.
Mercier said he invested $1,000 in signs to direct customers to his business, including signs pointing motorists to the back driveway on Monroe Street.
“It’s not a disaster. It ain’t that bad, if you guys just take your time and know where to go,” he tells customers. “My signs get them to the station, and it’s not that bad.”
He said it’s time for Oconto Falls residents and visitors to have a positive attitude about the construction project, which drew a disparaging mention on a local news show’s “Ticked Off Tuesday!” public comment segment.
“This is going to be beautiful when it’s done,” Mercier said.
Matthew Ternes, Department of Transportation project manager, said he can provide weekly construction updates to be posted online by the city and chamber of commerce.
“Sounds like there’s some communication that can be better,” he said, in response to Mercier’s comments.
Gail Yatso, president of the Oconto Falls Area Chamber of Commerce, said she is willing to post directional signs at her business, Hometown Veterinary Clinic, 180 E. Highland Drive.
She also mentioned a sign has been placed at the intersection of West Highland Drive and North Main Street saying “Open to …” and displaying business logos.
The state Highway 22 project, scheduled to end in early November, involves pavement removal and replacement, curb and gutter, sidewalks, storm sewer, street lighting, pavement marking and street signing. Project boundaries for the 1.6-mile stretch are West Highland Drive to East Highland Drive. The stretch from East Highland Drive to South Main Street is scheduled to be finished Aug. 7.
Paving is scheduled to start this week from South Main Street to Paul Street. Barricades will be in place for seven days afterward, while the concrete cures.
