To restless commuters, Healdsburg Avenue’s improvements promise an end to long backups at traffic lights. It is nearly impossible to work, live or travel into town without confronting the buildup of the single five-way intersection of Mill, Vine and Healdsburg Avenue. With construction starting last week, an upgrade to city infrastructure is past due.
Over the next 16 months, Healdsburg can expect to see vast improvements – and major disruptions – to the site. Decrepit sewer, water and electrical lines will be replaced, as well as the Foss Creek culvert that currently drains stormwater underneath the road. The gas station on the corner of Mill Street and Healdsburg Avenue has already been removed and a roundabout is hoped to improve chronic traffic issues. “It’s going to take a long time but one of the benefits I’ve seen is the tearing down of that eyesore of a gas station on the corner. Luckily, they are going to build a little park there and increase foot traffic on this side of town,” said Joe Parsons, manager at For Locals Only, a tavern adjacent to the project.
Despite the impossible-to-miss changes this construction will bring, it is easy to overlook its overall impact on downtown Healdsburg businesses. Concerns within the businesses affected are centered on ensuring accessibility and providing ample parking for construction staff as well as the employees of surrounding businesses.
Currently, there is no construction on the weekends to ensure the vitality of those caught in the crossfire. “I didn’t think it was going to affect us but the profits are definitely down for the month of July. We are trying to keep customers happy and coming our way with live music, games and community events,” said Parsons.
The city, the project contractor and the Healdsburg Chamber of Commerce are working to inform local businesses and residents about impacts and traffic diversions, and a small group of business owners along Healdsburg Avenue have banded together to create “The SoHe Business Community.” This group hopes to ensure the survival of businesses in SoHe (South Healdsburg) during the construction. Spearheaded by Circe Sher, sales manager of Hotel Healdsburg, SoHe hopes to increase communication with the city council and maintain the vitality of South Healdsburg. “We are trying to lessen the impacts that we know are coming,” said Sher.
Moving forward, SoHe has asked the city to allow special signage outside regular ordinances in hopes of mitigating the construction’s impact. “We hope it won’t be difficult to reach us and it’s important we survive through this. Hopefully the situation is better than we all expect,” said Sher.
Overall, the collective outlook is positive. “We are very aware that our business will take a hit and we are hoping it isn’t too big. But we are also very optimistic about the long term plan and do feel confident that the end result will be beneficial,” said Karla Seppi, co-owner of The Parish Cafe.
As Healdsburg’s relationship with tourism evolves, some say it’s important to adapt to the new influx of people shopping, dining and visiting our community. “If you’re going to have the increase of tourism, businesses are going to flourish. That has to be accommodated for, or you can go back to being prune pickers,” said Rawleigh Fjeld, chairwoman of the Antiques & Arts Fair.
