GARDNERVILLE, Nev. (COLO) – Businesses located near a major road project in Gardnerville are speaking out, saying they are losing significant revenue during construction.
In September 2023, the Nevada Department of Transportation began a major construction project on Highway 395 N, including highway drainage, sidewalk, curb and gutter improvements, and utility relocation work. The project will continue through his 2024 year and will include the reconstruction and resurfacing of a portion of Highway 395 in downtown Gardnerville.
They say business owners just off Main Street were made aware of the construction for only a week, which will affect them for at least a year. Heather Leonard, owner of Brown Bear Designs, proudly says she breathes new life into vintage furniture.
“They don't make furniture like this anymore. If we can salvage it by doing a little updo or a little slug, that's what we do,” Leonard explains. Masu.
Since construction began last year, Leonard said it has scared away customers, cost her 35% of her normal revenue and put her in “panic mode.”
“Our community doesn't want to deal with construction, so they just choose to stay home,” Leonard says.
Marissa Mills, who owns a store right next door to Luminary Books, said she, too, is struggling with the drop in foot traffic.
“We're all hurting,” Mills begins.
Mills is excited to see new life breathed into downtown Gardnerville once construction is complete. But until then, she's asking for help.
“We love our town here. We love Main Street. We're very proud of Main Street, but we need your support,” Mills said.
To get more people into the store, Mills hosts after-hours parties.
“Once a month, we host a store-themed night at Luminary and have limited edition merchandise that goes with that theme,” Mills said.
Mills has even set up an online shop to make the entire catalog available to people who don't want to avoid traffic.
“If you buy from here, as long as you buy from Luminary Books, the book will be shipped directly to your home and that money will continue to support us. It's a great alternative to Amazon,” Mills said. .
Until construction is finished, the two women just want the community to know they're still here.
“We've been here seven years and we're hoping to get to eight,” Leonard said.
Copyright 2024 Coro. All rights reserved.