JAY — Town officials and business owners said they are happy to see the Commerce Street resurfacing project complete.
“I know it was really hard for the businesses,” said Donna Bullock, town clerk. “I know they are so glad it is finished, and we are too.”
The almost $400,000 project included resurfacing, installing new lighting and sidewalk and drainage work. Renovations were completed two weeks ago, according to Councilman Shon Owens.
Owens said he appreciates affected businesses’ patience while the street was closed. During that time, several businesses on the roadway had to use back entrances and dealt with no parking.
“They were so polite and patient with us,” he said. “Once we started, we had to stop and get additional engineering plans completed so we could continue, and the businesses were affected by that. Fortunately, they were all good with us, which helped us out tremendously.”
Owens said he hopes the finished project will benefit businesses.
“We have been working on this for years,” Owens said. “The town made an investment to try and incorporate and give back to the businesses that have been here for so long and give them a nicer location.”
With Commerce Street’s completion, Owens said there is potential for growth in the rural community.
“We are constantly looking for opportunities for new commercial construction; we would like to see some new businesses with new buildings,” he said. “With the new infrastructure on Commerce Street, there may be some opportunity there for that to happen.”
Brenda Cook, a volunteer with the Jay Historical Society, said the Jay Museum had to be closed for several months during construction due to lack of available parking.
“I am thankful (the project is complete) because we were closed the entire time,” Cook said. “I am glad they got finished with it.”
Andriea Watson, owner of Endless Delights Inc., said her restaurant was not nearly as affected by construction.
“We probably had it better than a lot of people because we had a back parking lot and back access,” she said. “We have just as many people come through the front door as the back door.”
In addition to traveling on the roadway, residents were exposed to redevelopment during last month’s Jay Area Chamber of Commerce Trick or Treat in the Street.
Owens said the community event, during which businesses gathered to pass out candy to attendees, has grown to the point where the council is considering adding more events or activities on the same night.
“It would allow us to grow that event because it seems to be pretty popular for everybody,” he said.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: READY TO GROW