Like Bank Street, the major thoroughfare is impassable. Like Bank Street there is the constant clatter and crash of construction machines digging and filling in holes. Like Bank Street, business is down across the board. Unlike Bank Street, few Preston Street merchants are complaining.
Luigi, the Preston Street mascot, welcomes visitors
With three stretches of the street closed this summer for construction from Albert Street to Spruce Street, Laurel Street to Young Street and Beech Street to Carling Avenue, the businesses and the Preston Street BIA are using experience to their advantage.
“The thing is, this is the second year,” said Sheldon Mulligan, who owns Slan Printing. “We’re all a little more prepared for it.”
Construction contines on Preston Street
The BIA has run advertising campaigns on local radio stations and sponsored a contest where residents can have their picture taken with Luigi, the street mascot and be entered to win a draw.
Mulligan said his printing shop doesn’t take as big a hit as the neighbouring restaurants and bars, because he doesn’t really as much on walk-by traffic.
“Before the whole thing started we were told to expect losses of about 30 per cent,” said Joe Cotroneo, the owner of Pub Italia, “and that’s what it’s been, about 30 per cent.”
He said he can pin-point where the losses are coming.
“Seventy-five per cent of my patio is gone,” he said.
Unlike many other business owners on the street, Cotroneo said he does not think the city should compensate the merchants whose stores are affected by the construction.
“It would be nice, but there’s never been a precedent set, you’d have to do it right across the board,” he said, “and the city’s desperate for money anyways.”
Cotroneo, a block captain who therefore deals with the city and the contractor on behalf of merchants, said he has been pleased with Taggart Construction, who are responsible for his stretch of road.
“I think the best scenario is when the construction company, the city and the businesses work together on the project,” he said. “The construction company has been really supportive.”
Further north on the street, Joe Lofaro expressed similar thoughts about Greenbelt Construction.
“They’re doing a great job,” he said, “they went out of their way to accommodate us.”
He did say, however, that he thought the city could be doing more.
“I’m not complaining, I welcome what they’re doing and it had to be done,” he said. “But every time it rained I had a flood, there should be compensation.”
He pointed out that a portion of his taxes pay for services he has not received or have been broken in the past, such as sewer lines.
Cotroneo may be able to sum up the mood of the merchants the best though: “You’ve got to hold onto it for this year and try to recoup next year.”