LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — A popular Downtown Las Vegas restaurant surrounded by road construction asks for public support and more help from local leaders as profits continue to plummet.
FOX5 has kept you informed about the extensive roadwork from the Maryland Parkway project and recent roadwork across Downtown.
The $378 million project from the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada will change two lanes on Maryland Parkway into bus or bike lanes, add covers to 50 bus stops and widen sidewalks.
The owner of Carson Kitchen tells FOX5, since June, profits have plunged double digits as construction has crept closer to the front door off Carson Avenue.
“I’ve had to lay off employees already, and my fear is that’s only going to continue to get worse,” said owner Cory Harwell. “I would be lying if I said I wasn’t worried about the long-term future viability and our ability to get through these next four to five months– and that’s if they’re on schedule,” he said.
Harwell lists a host of challenges for customers and workers: pedestrians are hesitant to even traverse down the torn-up street, and those who do track debris through the front door into the restaurant. The smell of asphalt permeates the neighborhood and inside establishments.
Harwell describes the challenges for the temporary access provided by crews. “They’re ripping that up daily because they’re working underneath it. So every day, they’re pouring new sections of this asphalt by the time we open, and now our guests get to experience that asphalt smell,” he said.
Although RTC has added signage to indicate the restaurant is open, passerby can get easily confused, Harwell said.
“There’s a clear great sign that says ‘Carson Kitchen is open during construction, turn right.’ And then the minute you try to turn right, there’s a sign that says ‘sidewalk is closed,’” he said. FOX5 cameras did see a crew member finally remove the sign after the restaurant opened.
FOX5 reported on the efforts by RTC to communicate with local businesses and mitigate disruptions: notifications to establishments for more than a year, adjusted work hours for crews, maintenance of access to businesses, and limited work to sections at a time.
“There’s got to be some financial assistance to help us through this time,” Harwell said, telling FOX5 that he did meet with Councilwoman Olivia Diaz on the matter several weeks ago.
RTC provided FOX5 the following statement:
“At the RTC, we understand that major roadway projects can affect nearby businesses, which is why community engagement is one of our top priorities. We work hard to provide information in advance and keep businesses updated throughout the life of a project. With Carson Kitchen, we know construction in front of their location has been disruptive. Our crews are working quickly to finish the work while ensuring both vehicle and pedestrian access.”
A spokesperson for the city of Las Vegas gave FOX5 the following statement:
“The city has worked very closely with the owner of Carson Kitchen and other downtown businesses, especially during construction. We have worked to let the community know that these businesses remain open during construction. In addition, businesses where this construction is happening are eligible for the new security grant program that is designed to help offset security improvement costs and to also offset the impact of road construction.”
FOX5 reported on the security grant program to help small businesses across Downtown and the Arts District.
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