Angelo Pizza, owner of his namesake restaurant located on Market Street, opened his establishment in November 2020, managing to survive the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, ongoing construction near his business has now become the primary threat to its survival.
“If I were a newer business, we probably wouldn’t make it through this,” Pizza stated.
The cause of his struggles stems from a significant decrease in foot traffic, attributed to a nearly 10-foot-tall chain-link fence that currently sections off the bike lane construction right outside his restaurant. This barrier not only obstructs the view of The Angelo Pizza but also blocks a portion of the sidewalk leading to the establishment between 2nd and 3rd Streets in Old City.
Pizza noted that the fence has been in place for two months and has caused a drastic drop in business, particularly during the peak summer tourism season.
Worse news awaits as further street construction is set to begin soon, anticipated to last for more than three months.
From August 4 to November 17, westbound Market Street, between 2nd and 6th Streets, will undergo roadwork, although one lane of eastbound traffic will still be maintained from 6th Street to Front Street during this period.
This construction is part of the City of Philadelphia’s Market Street Old City Improvement Project, which focuses on enhancing curbs, sidewalks, and accessibility features such as ramps for people with disabilities, a dedicated bike lane, and bus stop bump-outs.
When the project was first proposed in 2016, it received widespread support, according to Old City District Executive Director Job Itzkowitz.
“It had broad support,” he recalled, referencing a survey conducted among residents and businesses in the area.
Despite the backing, Itzkowitz admitted that the ongoing construction has significantly impacted businesses in the immediate vicinity, acknowledging the struggle of owners like Angelo Pizza. In response, they are offering grants of up to $20,000 to qualifying businesses through The Merchants Fund to provide some relief.
Additionally, social media influencers have been enlisted, and signage has been placed to counter the impression that storefronts are closed.
“We’re here to be supportive,” Itzkowitz stated.
However, Pizza expressed skepticism about the project’s benefits, noting that he was not present when the plan was conceived and questioning whether the disruption caused by the construction for a bike lane was genuinely warranted.
“I don’t know if the need for the bike lane is so severe that it warrants this type of disruption for local businesses,” he commented.
Jessie Amadio, a member of Philly Bike Action, a volunteer organization advocating for cyclists, acknowledges the frustrations of business owners but believes the construction will ultimately yield benefits.
She referenced studies from the Transportation Research and Education Center and Salt Lake City indicating that new bike lanes can positively influence local economies.
Amadio also highlighted the broader objectives of the construction project, which include new cobblestones, public art, and improved sidewalks, in tandem with the bike lanes.
“We hope the project will wrap up as fast as possible so the fences can be removed,” she asserted.
“I think we all agree that we want to maintain and improve our streets, and occasionally that requires major construction work that disrupts business,” she added.
Old City is caught in a delicate balance of progress and disruption, with not just Pizza feeling the strain.
One block away from Angelo Pizza, Allen Gill operates Coffee Tea & Company and has observed mixed results from the changes brought on by the construction.
His cafe now boasts an expanded sidewalk and bike lane, yet the period of construction was exceptionally challenging.
“Our business was down for like 60 to 70% during that period,” Gill lamented, addressing the challenges of communicating to customers that his café remained open.
Currently, he notices a 2-3% increase in customers and is optimistic for the future, expecting further growth by 2026 when the project is expected to be fully completed.
Gill conveyed that his frustration was less with the district and more with the delays in construction timelines.
“They told us it would be two or three weeks, and it ended up being two and a half months,” he recounted.
Across the street, nearby establishments like Cafe Square One and Doggie Style Pets have seen their sidewalks reopen, although clutter from equipment and cinderblocks still lingers, interfering with street parking and creating difficulties for customers and staff alike.
Rebecca Yap from Cafe Square One shared her grievances, noting that delivery drivers often have to park blocks away due to the obstacles.
At Doggie Style Pets, Satchmo Prusky noted that earlier phases of construction had nearly sealed off sidewalk access completely, leading to stark drops in foot traffic.
While the sidewalk is now open, lingering construction debris continues to frustrate.
“It’s just taking too long,” he remarked about the ongoing cleanup efforts.
For his part, Pizza expressed similar impatience, questioning the work pace of contractors.
“I feel like I never see anyone out here,” he observed.
City officials are aware of the concerns raised by business owners and are seeking solutions to mitigate the impacts of the construction disruptions.
The Department of Streets is collaborating with contracting teams and the Old City District to communicate with local businesses and find ways to lessen the burden during this active phase of construction.
image source from：billypenn
