'Safety hazard.' Business owner demands action from community leaders following massive fire

Pedestrians are walking in the street with ongoing traffic in order to get to the end of Rob's block, coming within an arm's length of cars.

Josiah Darnell

Jul 19, 2024, 2:32 AM

Updated 156 days ago

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Local business owner Rob, of "Collectibles by Armada," is demanding a call to action from community leaders, after a devastating fire left half of his block closed off.
He's been on Third Avenue for 23 years, and now all that's left is construction vehicles and a boarded-up sidewalk, with no pedestrian walkway. Rob argues that it's creating a safety hazard.
"When you look down the block and you look at the scaffolding and you look at the construction, they have plastic barricades creating pathways. Why can't they do the same thing here?" said Rob.
Pedestrians are walking in the street with ongoing traffic in order to get to the end of Rob's block, coming within an arm's length of cars.
"They've blockaded the entire sidewalk, and they're doing nothing for you," said Rob.
He's demanding that community leaders come up with a solution, so people are protected. Rob's store also relies heavily on foot traffic, and with no walkway, he says people are bypassing his store.
"This is ridiculous they're hurting my business and all the other businesses, they can care less," said Rob.
When News 12 reached out the Department of Transportation on how it is assessing the concerns of the business owner, it responded in a statement saying, "Contractors must adhere to all permit stipulations, including providing a safe and proper temporary walkways during construction."