Road To Improvement Business Owners Say Refurbished Sherman Avenue Will Be Worth The Hassle

Harley the schnauzer sat in a tub of foaming suds Friday morning when the water was shut off for Beth Irkson at Animal Attractions pet grooming on East Sherman Avenue.

“We had no idea,” said owner Kim Barcie, with her dog Porkchop at her side. “Thank goodness the little guy wasn’t soaking in flea shampoo or something like it.”

The culprit for Harley’s extra-soapy morning was the ambitious demolition and reconstruction of Sherman Avenue. Water mains are being replaced as the big project moves westward, which took Irkson and Barcie a bit by surprise.

Most businesses along the construction route have complimented the city on keeping them informed. Project Manager Chris Bates sends weekly updates on the work completed, along with what’s coming up.

The $2.24 million repaving project will continue into May, depending on the weather, Bates said. Memorial Day is the target to have the three-lane road ready for the summer tourist rush.

“Well, I think it’s a good time to remodel,” said Don Weagley, owner of Lakeview TV. A huge pavement-dicing machine was edging closer to his building Friday, and he was worried that Spot, his calico cat, needed to head home because of the noise. “It’ll be great when it gets done.”

Motorists still will be able to park on side streets that abut Sherman Avenue to get to the restaurants, stores and shops there. Merchants concede that business will drop while the project moves forward.

“It might slow us down a little bit,” said John Grollmus, one of three owners of Moon Time Cafe. “But we’ve got a big parking lot out back and pretty good access back there.”

A schedule of live music won’t be curtailed while the construction goes on, he said. “We’re all for it, though, and it’s going to be nice.”

New sidewalks and some trees will be part of the local improvement district project, which is costly compared to other improvements, Bates said.

Sherman Avenue resembles a test track for automobile suspensions in some stretches, so merchants are welcoming the improvement.

“Along with progress, you’re going to have to face some hardships,” said Paula Mayling, co-owner of Piggee’s Market Deli and Gas. “It’s the best time of the year for them to do it.”

At the nearby Hock Shop, people looking for goods and loans still were finding their way into the store, said owner Gene Lammon. “I suppose it’s going to be a little tougher for the restaurants that rely on the walk-in business.”

Back at Animal Attractions, the water came back on 45 minutes later, allowing Irkson to hose off Harley. , DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Color photo