Williamsville merchants should form their own BIA says Downtown Kingston BIA

The comment comes as businesses continue to be impacted by the construction along Princess St.

The Executive Director of the Downtown Kingston BIA understands what merchants affected by the construction along Princess St is going through.

It has been five months since the stretch of road in the Williamsville District was closed to vehicular traffic as the city embarked on a reconstruction project that included the replacement of sewers, watermains, and hydro systems.

With traffic limited to pedestrians and few vehicles being allowed, it has impacted businesses on Princess St.

Marijo Currier says the businesses the BIA represents had to go through something similar in the past and it is tough to see what is happening along Princess.

The construction has not greatly affected businesses on Princess east of Division where the road is open. The BIA's coverage ends at Division St to the west.

Currier is suggesting merchants and businesses in the Williamsville District form their own business improvement area.

She says it would especially be helpful for newer businesses.

Currier says a BIA acts a "lobbying group" for businesses. They make sure the concerns and issues raised by the merchants are heard.

She says one way to help the Williamsville businesses is to get proper signage to direct people to the stores.

The first phase of the reconstruction is expected to be completed by the end of the year. Phase two would begin next spring.

Story by Ken Hashizume