Navigating Construction Woes With Constructive Conversation

The past couple of years have certainly been rough for businesses in high construction areas like Sugar House. We’re not experts in this area, but it’s safe to say that running a small business is tough from the get-go, with often slim margins that could be lost when people can’t get in the front door. When construction comes and blocks access for long periods of time, that could be the final blow for some businesses.

But as natural as it may feel to simply push back against any construction, it’s a necessary part of urban living. Deferred maintenance will just make the problem worse, like when a pipe finally bursts. And if we don’t build more housing in our urban centers, you can bet that rents and mortgages will become even more unaffordable. 

Let’s instead steer the conversation toward how we can make construction less harmful—such as limiting sidewalk closures, better-planned and clearly-marked detour routes, targeted community outreach, and more accommodations and grants for businesses. And of course, everyone can help by making a point to patronize businesses in high-impact areas.

The 2100 South project has had both sidewalks closed between 800 and 900 East. City contractors should be setting a good example, not a bad one.