High rents, construction battering Sherbrooke West

CTV Montreal Published Saturday, November 15, 2014 2:28PM EST Last Updated Saturday, November 15, 2014 6:35PM EST

Commercial rent hikes, construction work and parking issues have been felling businesses in the West End at an alarming rate as the high street on Sherbrooke has seen a worrying number of empty storefronts crop up.

Its hard to park. I had a customer call up for a pick up. She asked is there any parking? I said yeah but whether there will be in two minutes I dont know, said Tony Russo of Cavallaro restaurant.

Sewer repairs and other construction issues have led to detours that also limited access to the area.

When theres major construction it has an impact on sales, said Russo

Merchants talk informally to each other but theres no formal group, as there are on many other similar strips.

Borough Mayor Russell Copeman said that it might be time for the merchants to get together and set such an association up.

There are several advantages, Copeman told CTV Montreal. Theres an obligatory membership for all the store owners on the street, so it provides a source of income to help with activities and planning and ambiance on the street but it also allows the city to allow for face-to-face dealings with one organization and thats helpful in trying to improve the public domain and the atmosphere on the street.

Such a group also becomes eligible for funding, which can help further the battle against vacancies and dilapidation.

About a decade ago the Sherbrooke Street West Merchants Association, led by merchant Necdet Kendir, received a three year grant, and Emploi Quebec paid three-quarters of the salaries of two employees.

Originally posted here:
High rents, construction battering Sherbrooke West