Allida Kelliher | Staff Writer | akelliher2@mail.smcvt.edu
Construction on Main Street that began spring 2024.
Winooski businesses are fearing for their livelihoods and begging customers to visit them after six months of construction work gummed up surrounding streets.
Many restaurants and businesses have “We are open!” signs in their windows as owners try to boost flagging sales.
Construction on Main Street in Winooski began in the spring of 2024 and will continue for the next two years.
Businesses impacted by the torn-up streets are anxious. The owners of Tiny Thai Restaurant and Junior’s tell The Defender they have experienced a 25 to 30% decrease in overall sales since the construction began.
“People do avoid the area because of how congested it is and difficult to get through Main Street,” said the owner of Athens Diner, Shawn Malone. “I certainly would not want to be one of those businesses right there on Main Street, no doubt that’s tough on them.”
Glenn Patterson from Junior’s restaurant said, “We are down by about 25% of profit in the dining room, but fortunately the takeout has remained fairly steady.”
Because the traffic is one-way on Main Street, fewer cars are coming down the road, leading to less foot traffic, and fewer customers.
Patterson said, “I hope that next year they can find a way to at least have two-way traffic for the street which would make everybody happy.”
According to the City of Winooski’s website, the cost of the project is approximately $28 million.
The Winooski Main Street Revitalization project includes the installation of pedestrian and bicycle facilities, upgrades to traffic signal equipment, and enhancements to roadway aesthetics such as street lighting and landscaping.
Yinglak Pui Ciosek of Tiny Thai Restaurant said, “We can’t do anything about it, but we have loyal customers that have still generally supported us.”
But some customers are finding it a challenge. St. Michael’s College student, Hazel Bozikowksi ’26, a frequent visitor to Athens Diner, said it is hard to find parking and is worried about driving her vehicle on the dug-up road.
“It’s just super crowded with people on foot, like walking around, and I just tend to go to places that aren’t really by the construction areas,” said Bozikowksi.
Winter may offer some relief. Patterson said that as soon as the ground freezes, the construction will stop.
He said he’s frustrated by the lack of communication from Winooski officials, especially from Mayor Kirstine Lott, saying there has been “zero” information from the town.
On its website, the City of Winooski has a project overview and posts weekly updates on the construction. There is a section on support for businesses.
Mckee’s Pub closed down in August after 36 years. According to their Instagram account, the construction was the main reason it had to close its doors.
The post stated, “Due to increased costs, insurances, new and additional taxes and the biggest factor, the ongoing and continuing construction issues affecting sales, we can no longer continue to operate at a loss”
The post said they were down 70% in sales and had no choice but to close down.
The project has at least another two years to run, since completion is not slated until 2026.
A vehicle making its way down torn-up Main Street.