SIGN COMPROMISE: Officials To Aid Businesses

ONGOING CONSTRUCTION HAS DISRUPTED TRAFFIC FLOW

By John Gore

Posted: November 17, 2009 at 4:13 a.m.

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ROGERS — A compromise was reached Monday on how a downtown intersection beautification project will be handled.

City officials, merchants and representatives of Midland Construction and Lane Traffic Control met Monday to discuss the situation.

Two intersections — at Cherry and Second streets and Elm and Second streets — were barricaded two weeks ago as work got under way. The detour signs, barricades and cones are having a serious impact on businesses near the intersections, merchants said.

“We knew from the beginning there would be hardships on the merchants,” said Mayor Steve Womack.

Beside merchants’ concerns about dwindling sales, construction off - cials voiced concern regarding the safety of workers on the project.

Another issue irritating business owners is the amount of equipment and supplies sitting in the streets and blocking parking spaces.

Cindy Borden and Delma Peterson, co-owners of New 2 You consignment boutique at 123 S. Second St., said the construction project could put them out of business.

“We won’t survive this without some relief,” Borden said. The entrance to the shop is partially blocked and equipment sitting in the street make it appear there are no open businesses, she added.

Borden said she was told the intersection wouldn’t be open again until Dec. 19.

Borden and Peterson also questioned starting such a project in November, the beginning of holiday shopping season.

“We’re not against the beautification project, but we need some help to survive,” Borden said.

The pair was assured the street will be open by Nov. 27, the day after Thanksgiving, traditionally a top sales day for merchants.

Womack said his priority is finding solutions to ease the burden on merchants. He suggested positive signs saying “Welcome to Rogers. Please excuse our mess as we beautify downtown. Come on in we’re open for business,” rather than detour signs directing traft c away from merchants. Greg Hollis of Lane Traffic Control cautioned that barricades and detour signs are there to protect workers and to keep motorists from going down closed streets, but agreed to help solve the problem.

Frankie Guyll, street superintendent, suggested removing the barricades and detour signs and replacing them with signage welcoming shoppers.

Midland Construction representatives and city officials determined the construction equipment and supplies can be moved to create more parking.

Womack also suggested additional signage on Eighth, Arkansas and Second streets and other locations telling motorists the beautifi cation project is in progress and inviting people to see the work and shop the stores.

By 1 p.m. Monday, new green and white signs with a positive message were being put in place at aff ected intersections.

Barriers and detour signs are scheduled to be removed in the next few days.

“We’re pleased with the effort this city is making,” Borden said. “I think it will help.

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