To the editor:
It has been several months since the big dig began in Hardwick, and we still do not have definitive answers about when it will be finished. As exciting as it is, and as awesome as it will be once it is all over, the fact of the matter is that many downtown businesses are feeling the economic hit. For many of the small businesses downtown, July and August are critical months to help get through the rest of the year. Here at the bookstore, we’ve definitely noticed a slow-down compared to past summers.
We had hoped that the town would provide better signage to indicate available parking, which has not happened, and we continue to hear from visitors and locals alike that they wanted to stop in town but just didn’t know where to park. We get it. The parking situation in town can be hard to navigate and especially challenging for anyone with mobility issues. But, there is, in fact, lots of parking along South and North Main Street, across from the Buffalo Mountain Market, and behind the Village Restaurant. You might even enjoy a stroll from parking on West Church Street, if you have the time and the ability.
If you are able, and if you want to have places to shop, dine and do business on Main Street once the construction is over, please remember to do what you can to support your favorite Hardwick businesses now. We are still here, still open and we all hope to remain here and open in the future.
Andrea Jones and Sandy Scott, Hardwick
Andrea Jones
