How Many Washington Ave. Businesses Will Survive Upgrade Project?

An Endicott business owner is expressing concern about the fate of many other shops as the Washington Avenue reconstruction project continues.

Zach Pedley, who owns The North Brewery, is warning that the situation is dire for many people who are operating restaurants and other businesses along The Avenue.

Pedley told WNBF News "if we want these businesses to stay afloat or still be here in the future, we've got to support them now."

Speaking on the Binghamton Now program on Monday, Pedley issued an urgent call for action to help restaurants, bars and other Washington Avenue businesses to survive while the street and infrastructure work is underway.

Construction operations for the long-discussed $11 million modernization project began in mid-April.

The block between North and Monroe streets was completely closed for several days last month while underground water lines and other utility work was underway. That section of Washington Avenue was reopened to traffic after the initial layer of asphalt was laid down.

The next block to the south is closed this week for infrastructure work. Pedley's business is located in that block, a few doors down from the Endicott Performing Arts Center.

Pedley was blunt in his assessment of future of downtown Endicott: "If you want to see a business on The Ave survive, you have to support them." He said "they can't survive with nobody showing up."

Parking for Washington Avenue businesses is available in municipal lots to the east and west of the street. Many of the businesses have rear entrances. Sidewalks access is being maintained on blocks closed to vehicular traffic.

Endicott Mayor Nick Burlingame has acknowledged the challenges caused by the project. He recently said the job was running a bit ahead of schedule. It's supposed to be completed by mid-November.

WNBF NEWS VIDEO: A two-minute stroll along The Avenue on July 1, 2024.

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Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com. For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.