Current Weather

Currently on MIX 106.5

Careless Whisper
Wham!

CURRENTLY ON KiX 100.3

Toyota of Sylacauga
Worth the drive!

Local business owners weigh in on how paving has affected commerce

SHARE NOW

SYLACAUGA, Ala. – As asphalt is poured on many local streets in the midst of a $4 million paving project  in the Marble City, many are excited about the eventual smooth roads of the city.

W. Fort Williams St., one of the roads featuring the most commerce in Sylacauga, was a top priority for the project. Today it sits paved, but how did the project affect businesses?

The general consensus from business owners interviewed by SylacaugaNews.com was the project was a bit inconvenient to get in and out of their parking lots.

Dickie Wright at Wright Tire & Service said Fort Williams is the only entrance into their shop, so it was slightly inconvenient for customers and staff getting in and out. “It was inconvenient for a few days, but they got it done really quickly,” said Wright. “Our business stayed steady throughout it, and I think we’re all glad the roads are fixed now.”

The staff at Fort Williams Pharmacy and Carden’s Gift Cottage agreed with Wright. Both business owners and staff said customers can get to the buildings from another road.

Mona Carden, the owner of Carden’s Gift Cottage, said “I think the paving project has gone pretty well. I haven’t seen any decline in our business, and I’m really happy to see nice roads here in Sylacauga.”

While some were excited about the project, the constant lane closures and equipment and paving staff on the road, may have affected businesses that rely solely on customers coming through the doors. El Vaqueros said it has had a negative experience.

The owner said they saw a 50 percent decrease in business at lunchtime, and he is happy the paving looks to be finished on Fort Williams.


Click here to e-mail the reporter.© 2016-2023, SylacaugaNews.com/Marble City Media LLC/RadioAlabama. All Rights Reserved. RadioAlabama’s network -- MIX 106.5 (& 98.3 HD2), WSGN, KiX 100.3 (& 1290 AM), 105.1 WRFS, KiX 96.3 (& 1050 AM), RadioAlabama Sports, and RA Digital -- along with SylacaugaNews.com reports local news around the clock and will keep you up-to-date during breaking news and weather. For real-time alerts from SylacaugaNews.com, text NEWS to 59925. Standard text message rates may apply. By signing up, you agree to receive ongoing text message alerts from RadioAlabama. Consent not required for purchase. Up to eight messages per month. Reply STOP to cancel. Reply HELP for help. Message & Data rates may apply. Terms and Conditions/Privacy Policy @ www.optspot.com/tnc.