Palm Desert promoting businesses impacted by construction on San Pablo
The city of Palm Desert is working to promote and support local businesses impacted by the ongoing construction on San Pablo avenue.
“These merchants have really gone through a lot of tribulation. And we want to support them,” said Rob Ballew, interim executive director, Palm Desert Area Chamber of Commerce.
The street is filled with small shops, bars and businesses. “They’ve been wonderfully patient and I know at the same time they’re very much looking forward to when the construction is completed,” said Sabby Jonathan, Palm Desert city council member.
One of the goals of the project is to make it safer for pedestrians and bicyclists in the area. Construction should be completed by May. “It is a major step in our vision of creating a downtown city core. An area that is go-to and is pedestrian friendly and bicycle friendly and fun friendly,” added Jonathan.
Shop owners say the project has made it difficult for customers to park and access the stores. “We’ve had customers decide not to come in our door because they couldn’t find access or it was dangerous to cross the street,” said Clay Shafer, who works at Tri-A-Bike.
On Thursday morning, representatives from the Palm Desert Area Chamber of Commerce, the city and the construction company went door to door to speak with the shops affected. They offered free invitations to the annual Palm Desert state of the city luncheon, where the San Pablo shops will be recognized.
“We’re also taking photos and we’re going to post these on photos so everybody knows they are open for business,” said Palm Desert Mayor Gina Nestande.
