Greencastle businesses nervous about construction fallout

Business owners knew it was coming but that is not stopping several from feeling both fear and anger when it comes to the ongoing US 231 project that is underway in downtown Greencastle. 

Brittany Overshiner, owner of Britt's Blooming Boutique, said she noticed a difference on Friday that didn't leave her with a good feeling. 

"Friday was the first day they put the road closed at the end of South Indiana by Starbucks at the light. They completely closed that off. Between that and the stop sign by Flora Brothers Painting, which my boutique is in between, they put on one side of the road a road closed sign so people think they can't come down that road," Overshiner told The Putnam County Post. 

The signs created not only confusion but a total loss of traffic into her business, Overshiner said. 

"I saw a lot of people Friday have their turn signals on, turn and not even try to find a parking spot. It was the first day I saw a negative impact from the construction. Friday is usually a busy day for us with foot traffic, and it was decreased dramatically. I think we had five customers all day, and usually, we have five customers within the first 30-45 minutes of being opened. It's very scary," Overshiner said. 

Overshiner also admitted she was "blindsided" with the closures, admitting there was no information disclosed with that section of road being closed. 

"I was blindsided by that, and I didn't know that was happening on all the side streets. I didn't know all the side streets were closing, which dramatically impacts all the businesses downtown. It makes it very hard for customers to get to downtown or get to park. A lot of people think they can't pull in there. It's very stressful and this was the first time I saw a negative impact," Overshiner said. 

While Overshiner was concerned, fellow business owner Trog, of Trog's Cloud 9, was "frustrated" as construction crews left equipment blocking his pull in over the weekend. 

"It's been pretty tough and frustrating to be honest. Big tractors and trucks blocking our pull ins makes it pretty difficult for customers to get into our parking lot," Trog said. 

Trog continued by saying it was "ridiculous" with the way equipment was left in the street for the weekend. 

"It's ridiculous. They parked it there, and blocked our exit with traffic barrels and left for the weekend. If you are leaving for the weekend, why block access to a business? When I saw him park it, I assumed they were about to do work right there. Had I known he was parking it to leave for the weekend, I would have asked him to move it. We haven't talked to city hall yet, but if this keeps happening, we will have to," Trog said. 

Both business owners said support from the local community can help them and other businesses downtown make it through the impact the construction will have on downtown Greencastle. 

"It's going to have a major impact, unfortunately. We all went through this last year and now it's a whole year of the same thing, but even worse this time. The local support definitely helps soften the blow. Our regulars and loyal customers are the reason we can make it through these construction projects. Small businesses absolutely rely on local residents, and we are grateful for them. It means a lot to have the community's support. Every little bit helps, and we really appreciate it," Trog said. 

Overshiner echoed those sentiments, saying she is "very concerned" about the future. 

"I just hope that people understand how important it is to continue to support and shop local. My message to residents is right now is the most important time to support these downtown businesses because the impact is going to be significant. We need your support. We are going to need foot traffic. If you live close or are at the park, make the walk to come up and walk around downtown businesses. If you want the businesses to be permanent, they are going to have to have your support," she said.