Business owners near Oneida Square seeing fewer customers
By: Chelsea Rarrick
Updated: August 31, 2011
Drivers taking detours around Oneida Square are not the only ones
experiencing frustration since construction started in the area.
Local business owners have noticed fewer customers stopping by their shops since development started.
"We've had to start opening up on Sunday's to make up the difference for the business that we're losing," said "Puff N' Stuff" owner, Roger Palek Jr.
Those who are looking to shop have to search for different places to park to get to the stores.
"The few that are coming in are finding a way to get in here; the ones who are serious about buying something," said Owner of Vintage Furnishings, Gerald Dischiavo.
The owner of Puff N' Stuff, Rodger Palek Jr. says the few customers that he has seen had to park a few blocks down to get to his shop.
Those who live near Oneida Square are also experiencing longer walks and delays when getting to their destination.
"I live here on Oneida and Park and I work on Genesee St. so I'm in between all the time. What used to be a two minute walk is now a 10-15 minute walk. We have to go through all the detours just to get around it," said LaDonna Kelley.
Although the inconvenience may be causing frustration, owners and others in the area are trying to stay positive about the construction.
"It's frustrating, but in the end I hope it's worth it because it does look like they are doing something pretty extensive," said Kelley.
Dischiavo feels they will all get through it and the project will help beautify the neighborhood.
In the meantime, store owners continue to advertise online and keep the word out that business is open as usual. All the shops are operating during normal hours through the transition to a new look in Oneida Square.
The business owners that Eyewitness News spoke with were told the construction should be finished by October or November. We tried calling the Utica City Engineering for an exact date, but did not hear back as of news time.
Local business owners have noticed fewer customers stopping by their shops since development started.
"We've had to start opening up on Sunday's to make up the difference for the business that we're losing," said "Puff N' Stuff" owner, Roger Palek Jr.
Those who are looking to shop have to search for different places to park to get to the stores.
"The few that are coming in are finding a way to get in here; the ones who are serious about buying something," said Owner of Vintage Furnishings, Gerald Dischiavo.
The owner of Puff N' Stuff, Rodger Palek Jr. says the few customers that he has seen had to park a few blocks down to get to his shop.
Those who live near Oneida Square are also experiencing longer walks and delays when getting to their destination.
"I live here on Oneida and Park and I work on Genesee St. so I'm in between all the time. What used to be a two minute walk is now a 10-15 minute walk. We have to go through all the detours just to get around it," said LaDonna Kelley.
Although the inconvenience may be causing frustration, owners and others in the area are trying to stay positive about the construction.
"It's frustrating, but in the end I hope it's worth it because it does look like they are doing something pretty extensive," said Kelley.
Dischiavo feels they will all get through it and the project will help beautify the neighborhood.
In the meantime, store owners continue to advertise online and keep the word out that business is open as usual. All the shops are operating during normal hours through the transition to a new look in Oneida Square.
The business owners that Eyewitness News spoke with were told the construction should be finished by October or November. We tried calling the Utica City Engineering for an exact date, but did not hear back as of news time.
