TL/DR –
Ivette Reyes, owner of M&M Bakery on Cesar E. Chavez Avenue in Grand Rapids, Michigan, faces significant business challenges due to ongoing road construction, which has led to a loss of 80% of her sales. The construction is part of a $7.5 million project to install a new water main and make other upgrades, making parking and pedestrian access difficult for businesses in the area. The project is expected to finish in July or August, but Reyes is unsure if her business can sustain until then due to her monthly overhead costs.
Impact of Road Construction on Hispanic-owned Businesses in Grand Rapids
The majority of businesses between Hall Street and Cesar E. Chavez Ave. in Grand Rapids predominantly belong to Hispanic proprietors.
For Ivette Reyes, owner of M&M Bakery on Cesar E. Chavez Ave., the past two months have been challenging due to road construction from Clyde Park to Hall Street. In her 35 years of running the business, this is the first time she’s faced such hardship.
“This is the first time I haven’t opened my cash register. The construction has made things extremely difficult,” Reyes explains. Reyes is not the only one feeling the pinch. The predicament has left many of her fellow business owners feeling nervous and uncertain about their future.
The ongoing construction, with its constant stream of vehicles and torn-up roads, has made parking and pedestrian access increasingly problematic for customers.
“Previously, our queues would reach up to the door,” notes Reyes. “Now, we have to bring our products to the customers outside as parking is impossible.”
An engineer from the City of Grand Rapids confirmed that the construction is part of a $7.5 million project for installing a new watermain and landscaping upgrades. However, since the project commenced, Reyes reports a loss of about 80% in sales.
“My monthly expenses are staggering – $3,000 for electricity, $3,000 for the mortgage, and almost $2,000 for gas. It’s very hard,” she lamented.
Although the project is set to complete in July, rumors suggest it might extend through August. “I’m not sure if we can hold on until August. I may have to consider a bank loan,” Reyes fears.
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