EAST AURORA, N.Y. (WKBW) — Local businesses on Oakwood Avenue in East Aurora say road closures due to construction have taken a toll on their businesses.
The project inspector said they're working on everything from utilities to curbs to water lines. The torn-up road, however, means diverted traffic for a popular shopping area.
Bob Aures, the owner of Pizza del Oreo's, said businesses has dropped about 15 percent since the construction started in late September. Though he can't say construction is the only factor.
"We're learning how to survive without a street being there," Aures said.
The Village of East Aurora shared a detour map on its website. Local businesses are feeling the pinch, sporting help "Help Oakwood. Shop Oakwood Ave." signs on social media.
Over at Flowers by Nature, Manager Kim Anguish said the business has loyal customers, but the weather is now an additional obstacle to crossing an already messy street.
"It's an issue people try to come in to order and they just can't," she said. "We get phone calls, and we get orders over our web and stuff, but it gets a little difficult for our seniors to try and get in here."
The construction inspector and designer of the project said the first phase should be complete by early December.
