Rick Farmer remembers a time when a steady stream of traffic passed by his auto repair shop at 1601 Independence St.

But since the city began a one-year improvement project to widen Independence Street from Pacific Street to Kingshighway, he said he has seen less traffic and about a 50 percent decrease in business.

Farmer thinks businesses along the thoroughfare will be affected in ways such as decreased sales, elimination of some parking spaces or fewer customers.

"We had a slow economy to start with, but once a part of the street was closed, our business dropped that day," said Farmer, owner of Farmers Sales and Services. "What people may not realize is that only a portion of the street several blocks away from us is closed and we're still open for business.

"I expect us to survive and be OK," he said. "We don't plan on going anywhere anytime soon."

Work to widen Independence Street from 36-foot to 44-foot lanes began July 22. The project will replace existing pavement and upgrade the storm drainage system and sidewalks.

During the project, some intersections will be closed for up to three weeks at a time as workers proceed toward Kingshighway.

The first of nine stages has been closed to traffic since July 22. The work in the area from Independence Street between Pacific and Hanover streets is expected to be complete by late August.

Kelly Green, engineer with the city of Cape Girardeau, said the project will benefit commerce in the region.

"We've gone through great strides to provide businesses with alternative routes and temporary access along Independence Street during the time they are affected," Green said. "From the improved sewer drainage system for reduced flooding to a left turn lane to help people get in and out of businesses, this project will benefit our businesses in new ways."

Mayor Jay Knudtson said the city is sensitive to property owners affected by the project and understands the inconvenience to residences and businesses in the area.

"We can only hope that the business interruption will be minimal and that the entire area will benefit from the street improvements," Knudtson said. "These businesses play a vital role in the success of our city, and we want to make sure that we are doing everything possible to support them.

"Staff has worked very hard to communicate with the effected parties and we stand ready to address any and all concerns they may have," Knudtson said, adding that public meetings and letters are among the ways the city has educated property owners about the project since 2006. "We sincerely ask for everyone's patience as we work our way through this exciting project that will improve and enhance this critical roadway."

Businesses such as Custom Graphics and Printing, 1621 Independence St., are likely to feel the effects once construction begins in front of their locations.

Graphic designer Josh Dannenmueller said a row of parking spaces nearest to Independence Street will be eliminated, forcing customers to park closer to the building. The company's sign will have to be relocated from the front of the parking lot to the side of the building.

While construction has not begun at the intersection of West End Boulevard and Independence Street, Jaspers convenience store has seen a decrease in customers and sales since work began on the project. Because the project started one week ago, management was unable to provide exact figures.

Keith Boeller, president of parent company Rhodes 101, said once the intersection is closed in the coming months, a side road will provide direct access to the business. He added that the company plans to use the time of expected decrease in business to make any necessary improvements to the building.

"Obviously, we'll see some effects, though it's hard to determine to what extent at this point," Boeller said. "But that will not cause us to close our store during that time."

However, not all businesses are feeling the negative effects of the project.

Dennis Lorch, owner of D'Lorch Locksmith at 1215 Independence St., one of the businesses closest to the current phase of construction, said sales have yet to decrease.

"Sure, my business may go down once the city begins work here, but my customers will find a way to get here," Lorch said. "In the end, the road will be much improved and that will benefit us all in the end."

bblackwell@semissourian.com

335-611, extension 137

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