Just about 10 years ago the merchants on North Oakland had to endure a disastarous summer of (non) business as Shorewood tore up the street and sidewalks and made North Oakland the "Jewel of Shorewood" !!
Now Shorewood is at it again (obviously they didn't get it right 10 years ago) as the street is a two lane mess, sidewalks and crosswalks are torn up --- and the business owners are Hurting .....
But according to recent comments from the Shorewood BID reported in Shorewoodnow.com ---
"We are turning what could be somewhat of an inconvenience into an exciting way to attract customers and keep them coming back for the quality products and personal service that Shorewood is known for," BID member Barb Caprile said."
Barb --- you just Don't Get It !!! It is NOT an "inconvenience" for the merchants on North Oakland --- it is a Financial Disaster.
Talk to the guys at Mautz Paint -- this should be one of their busiest times -- and their business is way down. If you don't have GPS with the optional topographical map feature --- trying to patronize the Wick Family's store is all but impossible.
And just in case the project moves along too quickly --- according to the Village Website, construction will be suspended for most of the month of July to accomodate the 4th of July parade and the Criterium Bicycle Race.
Hmmmmm --- did the BID ever think of re-routing the Bike race so that the Oakland merchants can get back to business as soon as possible ? As I noted in my blog last year, the Bike Race actually Hurts the Majority of the Businesses on Oakland -- yet the BID keeps it going, and against all evidence otherwise, the BID claims they do it for the Businesses !!!
Why not relocate it to another business area in Shorewood and let them enjoy all the boost to business the Bike Race brings -- NOT !
And since the 4th of July parade is Mobile by Nature --- how about a different route so work can continue on the Oakland Construction.
I think most of my business neighbors would agree we with me when I say --- Let's Get the Damn Thing Done and Give Us Back our Customers ---- Please !!
WHAT DO YOU THINK ? YOU ARE ENCOURAGED TO LEAVE YOUR COMMENTS BELOW !
