Ballard Ave. sidewalk repair nearly complete

Posted by Geeky Swedes on March 8th, 2009

If you stopped by the Ballard Farmers Market on Sunday, you may have noticed new sections of sidewalk along the east side of Ballard Ave.

While there are a few patches still under construction, SDOT says the concrete repair work should be done by this week, weather willing. We spoke to a few businesses along the construction zone, and they told us they’re happy the project is nearly complete. Some said they believed the construction — which closed sidewalks and reduced parking — was bad for business. The final phase will be sandblasting the finished sidewalk to “achieve the architectural finish required by the Ballard Landmarks District,” explains SDOT.

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busdrivermike

Yay, new sidewalks.

Boo...the most of the rest of the money we voted for in a special $500 million dollar levy will go to "fix" the mercer mess, instead of to sidewalks and neighborhood roads as promised.

Vagrant

That sidewalk is definitely 'new' Ballard.

matt

I agree with gurple...."bad for business" is a very short-term view. That's like saying a remodeling a store that's run-down, with moldy wallpaper, crumbling walls, and drafty windows is bad for business! What's bad for business is when a customer trips on uplifted concrete sidewalk in front of your store, breaks their hip, and sues you and/or the City. New sidewalks with ADA access is a good investment.

However, I don't know about this sandblasting plan. It seems a little silly to sandblast a brand new sidewalk (I'm guessing to reveal the aggregate?). I say just let nature run it's course on the new walk...give it one rainy season and you'll have a nice green mossy hue to blend it all together!

e/c

They have my vote too! Also wish they would open at 9:00am instead on weekedays

Madison

I agree, I wish more stores were open during Farmers Market hours. In the past, I definitely would have purchased grill accessories at Sutter Home & Hearth, but they were closed, so I came home and ordered online. And, I'd think potential customers might be inspired to buy a grill when they have a bag of beautiful produce (or organic meat) in hand. On a hot day, grilling a meal outside would be especially appealing.

foo

Agreed - I'm astonished more of the businesses aren't open during the Farmer's Market. Always have wanted to have lunch at Madame K's with friends after shopping at the market, and we never could! The businesses that are open during the market, I make sure to find the owner and tell them how much I appreciate it, and that many months, it's the only day I'm in that part of Ballard to shop at their store!

gurple

The construction, bad for business? Man, that's a short-term view. Better sidewalks will be great for business, starting immediately. Still, I guess a lot of businesses these days are reevaluating things every week.

MG

I totally agree with IStream. It's free advertising! These businesses don't have to do anything but open their doors. And there are potential customers right outside! If they need a few days off, take Mon/Tues., when not the majority of Ballard is standing on the street right in front of your doors.

IStream

This project may have had an impact on business, but for the life of me, I can't figure out why more of the Ballard Ave businesses don't open on Sunday 10. The farmer's market draws so much foot traffic, you'd think it's a no-brainer to open up to all those window shoppers. At best, some of the shops open at 12 and miss all the earlybirds but many just stay shuttered. (Sutter, I'm talking to you...)