Small businesses voice concerns about impact of ongoing construction and expansion in downtown Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) – There seems to be nowhere to go to escape the warning cones. Even in downtown Las Vegas, ongoing construction for road improvements and expansions can come at the expense of local restaurants.

One of the many projects includes the City of Las Vegas’ Seventh Street Complete Street project. Much of the work is done at Carson and 7th, which is exactly where the restaurant “eats.” The Breakfast & Lunch Joint’ is located in the city center.

Owner and chef Natalie Young told 8 News Now she’s all for growth, but not for growing pains.

“There’s tons of work going on with no one managing the construction,” Young said. “The traffic is horrible and I think as a city and a community we can do better.”

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In addition to events in the area, including the Mint 400 on Thursday, the Seventh Street project is causing bumps in the road. The project includes work on sewers and storm drains, improved roads and traffic signs, wider sidewalks and landscaping.

However, more work can mean more hassle for clients like Joe Mullen. He and his foodie friends faced traffic and congestion due to construction.

Young shared that Carson’s front view remained for months. A sea of ​​orange cones and no parking on either side of the street. However, it is not the work that is to blame, but rather the lack of communication, for this project and others.

“I don’t just speak for myself. It’s the arts district, F1, East Charleston, this keeps happening and no one is doing anything to change it,” Young said.

The city of Las Vegas sent a statement that said in part: “The city understands that roadworks can pose difficulties for businesses and has ensured that access to businesses is maintained, as well as signage. He said the communication came from the contractor and updates from the city.
Young said the communication was recent, within the last two weeks. She wondered if city departments were on the same page. The work will not be completed until the end of May.

“Communication and consideration. You know, my rent is still due, my taxes are still due, but I can’t do business if customers can’t come to the restaurant,” Young said.

The Seventh Street project is not the only road project in the region. There is the renovation and expansion of the Las Vegas Academy at 7th Street and Clark as well as the civic square bordered by Main Street, Clark Avenue, First Street and Bonneville Avenue.

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