Infrastructure repair delays are hurting some downtown businesses

JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) – As construction repairs and resurfacing on parts of State Street continue to drag on, it’s impacting downtown businesses.

At one store, weeks turned into months with no word on when the work would be completed.

“Sales are down, at least, I want to say about 60 to 65 percent,” Phillip Rollins said.

We visited the owner of Offbeat Record Store in August while he was awaiting completion of repairs to the sidewalk and road in front of his store. The store’s 10-year owner said sales have plummeted at the store, which relies heavily on foot traffic, tourists and collectors who happen to wander into its location.

“When they destroyed the sidewalk and we didn’t have a sidewalk, it was difficult for customers to get through, and then there was a labyrinthine network and cobwebs that people wanted (to) try to walk through to get to the building.”

Jamal Sibley is a new collector who wanted to purchase some records.

“I was walking by Offbeat about a week ago and noticed their sign and really wanted to stop by,” Sibley said. “I definitely see Jackson streets needing infrastructure repairs. So I’m glad to see that. At the same time, I understand how it will be a concern for business owners.”

Rebecca Staples of the Capitol Improvement District said State Street presents unforeseen problems, such as old streetcar tracks discovered when utility pipes were replaced.

This pushed the schedule back several weeks. She said the first phase, Pearl to Mississippi Streets, will be completed as soon as possible.

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