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Armory Square Businesses Affected by Road Construction in Different Ways

John Smith/WAER News

Road Construction near Armory Square is affecting some businesses in different ways but, they remain optimistic of the future results for the Downtown Syracuse economy. Merchants and restaurants remain open and it doesn’t appear difficult to locate parking on the street or in a garage. Work on the expansion of the Connective Corridor has West Fayette Street down to a single, one-way lane near the Square but, the manager of the Marriot says it’s not interfering with customers booking rooms.

However, outside of the hotel, a City DPW worker was sawing away at brick pavers Tuesday at the corner of Franklin and West Fayette. Located directly across is Kitty Hoyne’s outdoor sidewalk dining which detracts diners, at times but, the restaurant and bar seems to be otherwise getting the same number of customers.  Mr. Shop clothing isn’t noticing much of a difference.  Sales Associate Tara DeSalvo feels the streetscape improvements will be transformative.

“It’s a few months of construction outside the door but, the long term effects that it’s going to have on our community is gonna be great and, not to mention, we’re going to have the most beautiful road in Syracuse. So, I’m really looking forward to the outcome of it.”

Credit John Smith/WAER News
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John Smith/WAER News
Mr. Shop Sales Associate Tara DeSalvo is excited about the streetscape improvements near the shop.

Small Plates of Detroit restaurant has the benefit of two entrances on Walton and West Fayette.  Even so, General Manager Andrew Belair says July has been slow but, he remains upbeat.

 “I mean, in the long run, it’s only going to help all the businesses down here. The sides that are finished look great. So, it’s going to make Fayette look like Walton, I think… in terms of widening it, sidewalks and shrubbery.  In the long run, it’s gonna be great.”

Construct_ParkingAndrew.mp3
Listen to Small Plates Detroit, General Manager Andrew Belair. He wants to make customers aware of available parking during construction.

Credit John Smith/WAER News
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John Smith/WAER News
Small Plates Detroit, GM Andrew Belair standing in front the restaurant's Graffiti Wall.

Belair points out the adjacent parking garage located across from their West Fayette Street entrance still remains open.  Most businesses tell WAER News they’re uncertain about how much longer the road and streetscape construction will last. Well, we checked in with SU's Connective Corridor Leader, Linda Hartsock. She says there's about two more weeks of work left near Armory Square and then work near Fayette Park will continue from between four to six weeks. In late August, Corridor work will happen from West Fayette between Clinton to Salina Streets and last through November. 

John Smith has been waking up WAER listeners for a long time as our Local Co-Host of Morning Edition with timely news and information, working alongside student Sportscasters from the Newhouse School.