Bouquet Road Closure Hits Small Shops Hard

The city plans to build 375 homes on Bouquet Canyon Road, forcing a year‑long road shutdown that is hurting nearby businesses.

Impact on Commerce

• Shop owners say the closure cuts traffic that brings customers from southbound Bouquet and northbound Plum Canyon.
• A local convenience store owner, who opened just before the road closed, learned of it only from neighbors.
  He worries that high gas prices and blocked access will keep customers away for good.

Pizza Place’s Dilemma

• A popular pizza place on the corner of Plum and Bouquet roads sent a letter to patrons.
  The letter explained that no one in the area knew about the road closure until they did.
• It claimed negotiations with the city fell apart, leaving the restaurant’s future uncertain.

City Officials’ Statements

• Mayor: “I’m not a traffic expert, but I promised to keep people informed.”
  She also said the city cannot use public funds for business relief, though it is working on new programs.
• City Manager: Told a council meeting that economic development plans are in the works, but details are still being drafted.

Available Support

• Business owners have been directed to a county small‑business center, which says it can offer limited help.
• A developer representative did not respond to a request for comment.

Call to Action

Despite the city’s pledge, shop owners feel the shutdown is damaging their daily operations and visibility.
They ask for financial support or a quicker solution to keep their businesses alive while construction continues.