‘We’re still here.’ Lemont businesses face challenges during ongoing construction
For months, ongoing construction along Pike Street has posed plenty of problems in College Township, and it’s not going anywhere soon. Now, its residents are hoping to spread the word and bring business back to Lemont.
Current concerns stem from Pike Street’s one-way traffic pattern between Elmwood and Dale streets, which took effect in mid-May and is expected to last through mid-October. Pike Street traffic is blocked off entirely between Mount Nittany Road and Dale Street through Friday, July 29, College Township said last week.
Lemont’s road closures and modified traffic patterns stem from the $1.52 million Pike Street Traffic Calming and Accessibility project, which aims to improve local infrastructure. The long-planned construction overhaul on the street that’s home to most of the community’s businesses began its second phase in May.
How the project has impacted local business
Those involved in local businesses and nonprofits like Marie Doll say roadwork has significantly impacted foot traffic and sales.
“Letting people know that we’re open is critically important,” said Doll, the executive director of the Art Alliance of Central PA at 818 Pike St. “At first, people wondered if we were doing things and would call and ask if our gallery shop was open. We’re telling everyone that we’re still here, and we hope they’ll find ways to support Lemont.”
Nearby traffic signs for the detour once said Pike Street was “open for local traffic,” but Doll argued they weren’t clear enough for those visiting the area. Following a few phone calls, College Township installed updated signs that note “road open to shops.”
Doll said new signage has provided much-needed transparency for anyone visiting the area.
“You look at the first sign and think, ‘Well, I’m not a local resident. I don’t live in Lemont. Am I allowed to come there?’” Doll said. “It was certainly confusing, but the new wording is much more specific.”
Susan Smith, the chair of the Lemont Village Association, said residents have been encouraged by the township’s receptiveness to their concerns.
“Whenever we’ve asked, they have put more signs up,” Smith said. “We here already know how everything is. We hope that the folks coming to Lemont will understand, too.”
Both Smith and Doll noted that Lemont’s post office has particularly struggled to maintain business while construction disrupts foot traffic and access to Pike Street. Smith said she previously put up a traffic sign of her own encouraging drivers to use the post office’s services.
On Friday, an employee at Lemont’s post office declined to comment on its business this summer.
Where to park during construction
Once drivers get to Lemont and find a business to support — such as the Gallery Shop and Maxx Sushi & Ramen — the next obstacle they’ll face is parking. Roadwork has temporarily restricted access to some street parking on central roads, leaving side streets as the next best option.
Doll suggested Mary or Mount Nittany streets, which both connect to Pike Street, are pedestrians’ best bets for convenient parking while roadwork continues. More courageous drivers could use parking spaces directly outside some Pike Street businesses, but they may require motorists to back out onto the road.
Walking to businesses from far-away parking spots may present a challenge in itself, Doll said. Some Art Alliance frequenters have complained about needing to carry supplies or canvases on longer walks to the shop. Others have raised concerns stemming from hot summer temperatures.
A handful of Lemont businesses, including Cafe Lemont and Mayes Memorials, offer parking behind their storefronts. Dick Stever, Mayes Memorials’ president, encourages potential customers to access his office and shop at 910 Pike St. through Elmwood Street and Cherry Alley. He said he’s also happy to make house calls for those who plan ahead.
Reflecting on his business in recent months, Stever said he hopes more people will make an effort to continue supporting Lemont establishments.
“We’ve had some customers come up Elmwood Street, see the barricade and not come in,” said Stever, who said he opposed the Pike Street project. “Some people call, and some don’t. Some turn around and go home. People don’t always realize how much of an effect construction can have on us.”
What will be the end result?
By the time it’s finished, the project will add a full sidewalk along both sides of Pike Street from the intersection with Elmwood Street to Dale Street. Crews will also add curbing, stormwater system upgrades, delineated parallel parking and a handful of new trees after older ones are removed. The project’s first phase, completed in 2021, relocated some water and gas lines to prepare for more intrusive work.
Through her work with the Lemont Village Association, Smith says she knows Lemont better than just about anyone. In turn, she says she’s confident that the village’s current construction will ultimately help the community become safer and more welcoming to pedestrians.
“We’re hoping these improvements make Lemont a better area. In fact, I know they will,” Smith said. “This has been in the works for years, and it will certainly be worth the headaches.”
Construction along Pike Street is weather and schedule-dependent. Project updates can be found on College Township’s website or on its Twitter and Facebook pages.
This story was originally published July 24, 2022 at 6:00 AM.
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