Third Street may resemble a third world country, but there are
half a dozen businesses trying to stay afloat until the Third
Street Promenade construction is complete and things return to
normal.
Many businesses are struggling to survive the construction project
Third Street may resemble a third world country, but there are half a dozen businesses trying to stay afloat until the Third Street Promenade construction is complete and things return to normal. Construction on the $3.7-million project that city officials hope will transform the once quiet passage into the bustling hub of a renovated downtown, started in late June. It’s not expected to wrap up until December, which means Third Street businesses and other downtown merchants, will continue to suffer the consequences.
Shopping local keeps tax dollars in Morgan Hill
Anyone who frequents the area has seen people crossing through the construction zone, dodging workers and tractors. And while the sign program was not well planned, city officials and staff members have been very receptive to suggestions and have quickly addressed merchant concerns. New signs were installed Wednesday that clearly alert motorists on northbound Monterey, and others direct customers to parking and rear entrances.
That’s where residents can help. It’s been chronicled for years how important it is to shop local, keeping tax dollars in town instead of leaking into other communities. If you commute to San Jose or points north, wait until you get home to shop for groceries. Try to find a local dentist, chiropractor and dry cleaner, if possible. Then, make the extra effort to visit downtown, including Third Street. Grab a cup of coffee at the Main Street Bagels, have lunch at Jesus Restaurant or grab a couple of pork chops from Poppy’s Fish, Poultry and More for a weekend barbecue.
City’s Redevelopment Agency should look at ways to help
And, the city should look at financial ways to help. A business failing during construction is not healthy and doesn’t bode well for future downtown development. If the city does not already have provisions for lost revenue by businesses during construction, it should.
It’s not too late for the city’s Redevelopment Agency to create a formulated approach to a financial grant that could lessen the impact of lost revenue due to construction. The city needs to come out of this with healthy businesses lining a new Promenade that will be the linchpin to a vibrant downtown and a harbinger of things to come. Let’s make it work.
