Brooklyn Blvd. Construction Project Impacts Brooklyn Center Businesses
Some Brooklyn Center business owners say they can’t wait for a busy road construction project to wrap up. Phase 2 of the Brooklyn Boulevard Corridor Project got underway this spring. Construction spans a one-mile segment of Brooklyn Boulevard between Bass Lake Road and Interstate 94/694.
Crews are making safety improvements in the area. They’re enhancing bike and pedestrian trails and modifying turn lanes at intersections. While most people are glad to see the progress, some businesses owners say the project is causing headaches and confusion.
“In the very beginning, it completely devastated us. We were so slow,” said American Legion Cook Tammy Kottke. “Cars couldn’t get in and out, and they were parking next door.”
Phase 2 of the Brooklyn Boulevard Corridor Project got underway this spring. Construction spans a one-mile segment between Bass Lake Road and Interstate 94/694.
American Legion staff say business is down around 25 percent due to the construction.
“During the day, we get a lot of elderly folks who like to come in for lunch. They’re the ones we’re missing the most right now because it’s hard for them to drive through all that,” explained Kottke.
The construction zone is down to two lanes in both directions, and that means if customers plan on stopping at any of the businesses, they have to navigate through the orange cones, which can sometimes be challenging.
“It’s kind of hard getting in here,” said customer Ryan Deotis. “When I was coming in, there was a big bulldozer in the way, and it was kind of difficult figuring out when to come in. I was kind of thinking of just driving by because I didn’t want to stop.”
Next door at Que Viet Village House, they are also dealing with road construction pain.
“We had about a 10-15 decrease in sales, and just a lot of customers that are not happy about driving through the construction,” said Minh Lam, owner of Que Viet Village House.
The project is expected to be finished sometime next year. So, for now, weary businesses owners are going to have to hold on a little longer.
“I’m not really happy about it. But I mean, we do what we can,” said Lam.
