MOORHEAD, Minn. (Valley News Live) – Local businesses in Moorhead are facing significant challenges as ongoing construction projects deter customers.
Owners of shops and restaurants in the affected areas are appealing to the community for support during what they describe as a trying time.
Anthony Andrews, who co-owns The Spice Grille with his wife, opened the African food restaurant eight years ago at the corner of First Avenue North and Third Street North.
“It was something that we had dreamt of. It was something that we wanted to do,” Andrews said.
However, recent weeks have seen a dramatic slowdown in business.
“It’s been interesting. We’ve had people call and place orders and then because they can’t find a way in they cancel,” he explained.
The Spice Grille and other businesses, including the More Than Words Bookshop, are effectively isolated by the construction surrounding the Moorhead Center Mall.
Navigation apps often lead customers to inaccessible points, despite visible business signs.
To reach these businesses, customers are advised to navigate to the Downtown Health and Wellness Center on Center Avenue.
From there, follow signs and turn into the construction zone at the corner of Center Avenue and Sixth Street. Continue straight through the parking lot, following the orange cones to the businesses.
Andrews remains optimistic about the future.
“I’m very hopeful. I’m looking at the project and I’m thinking when it’s done it will bring some traffic to this area and business will be great,” he stated.
Having weathered the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Andrews and his wife are determined to persevere until the construction is complete, but they emphasize the immediate need for community assistance.
“Anyone who can come support, support. Send your friends in and keep it going until this whole project is done,” Andrews urged.
City officials report that most of the utility work in the project area is now complete.
The remaining tasks involve preparing the unpaved areas for concrete and then pouring the concrete.
Paving is expected to conclude by the end of the month, pending favorable weather conditions.
The new Red River Avenue could be open to traffic as early as November.
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