Businesses react to Midtown construction – KOLO

RENO, Nev. (KOLO) - Midtown business owners launched a holiday party at the Living Stones Church parking lot to support local merchants in the middle of so many orange cones.

Owners in the Midtown area, like Jessica Schneider, said they are not letting the construction bring them down.

"I am in survival mode, construction is brutal, its hard, but I will not go under, I will not fail," said Schneider.

The Regional Transportation Commission and Sierra Nevada Construction are working to provide easier access in midtown, enhance safety, and support economic development.

Owner of Junkee Clothing Exchange Jessica Schneider said after 12 years of having her location open, larger sidewalks, bike racks, and more plants are all necessary.

"I knew this was coming, and it had to come. I mean really my grandma in a wheelchair, you cant fit two people on a sidewalk. Yes, its tough, but it had to happen," said Schneider.

While work is being done on the roads, Midtown has been expanding with many new businesses like The Emerson Bar. Owner Tyler Colton said for many new business owners like himself, they are starting to see the long term impact on the project.

"Happening now for a lot of businesses here Im calling it mid-Midtown by Craft and Junkee is that we are becoming landlocked and the only way to access us will be all through back streets, Haskell, Plumas, so we are all a little concerned," said Colton.

Co-owner of Sup Christian Christensen said he wishes project leaders would listen and actually implement more of the ideas of those directly impacted, but he knows the end result is growth for us all.

"Its been long overdue and so we can not wait to see the final product with the big sidewalks, with trees, art, benches everything, its going to be really good for everyone," said Christensen.

Construction crews are sticking to the timelines for each phase. Business owners said while it's not over they want to make sure the support lasts as long as the work continues.

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Businesses react to Midtown construction - KOLO