Construction hurts business

Phoenix, Ore. -- Construction can be a sign of growth, but for some local business owners, development on the Fern Valley Interchange in Phoenix has meant just the opposite for their revenue. Owners say they're hurting as a result of the construction, but they also see future potential.

Starting a new family run restaurant is challenging in and of itself, but when you add nearby construction to the mix, it can be a real struggle.

Natesha and Joe Martinez, owners of Joe's Restaurant in Phoenix on Highway 99, know this all to well.

"We are stressed to the max of course," says Natesha.

They opened their doors early last year, around the time construction on the Fern Valley Interchange began.

"We started thinking should we sell, should we get out now? I knew, wowthis is going to be challenging," she explains.

Martinez fears construction is keeping patrons from sitting in her many open tables.

"People just kind of avoid this area and do a loop around the area," she says.

It's a similar story for the Shoppes at Exit 24. Amy Hastings, owner of Ladybug Outdoor Gardens says long time customers don't mind the traffic, but new business is down.

ODOT says business owners can put up their ownsigns to show they are operating through construction. Doing so may be a good idea, as the brunt of the construction hasn't even begun.

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Construction hurts business