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'Cash mob' aims to help construction-swamped Meridian businesses

It's summertime in the Treasure Valley, and that means construction season.

MERIDIAN -- Summertime in the Treasure Valley is patio season.

But at Slyce Pizza on Meridian's Main Street, no one is headed up to the rooftop.

That's because summertime also brings construction season.

General Manager Sally West said the construction has taken a toll.

"Summer is one of our peak times of the year, and it has definitely affected business having one of the main thoroughfares through Meridian closed off," she said.

MORE: As weather warms, road construction season roars to life

The Ada County Highway District's Pine Avenue construction project, which began in January, has caused headaches for drivers, pedestrians and local businesses alike. Between the noise, dust and parking issues, restaurants and shops are feeling the pinch when it comes to customers.

At one point, West said, all access to Slyce was cut off by road closures.

"Customers have actually had to walk a couple of blocks to get here," she said.

Walk around downtown, and you'll hear variations on the same story.

"We like to open the door in the morning for some fresh air, and we haven't been able to do that because of the dust and the noise," said Julie Henson, manager of The Flower Place.

Henson said her shop is luckier than some: A lot of customers order floral arrangements by phone, meaning she does not have to rely on walk-ins navigating through a construction zone.

But the project has led to parking woes and out-of-the-way routes for delivery drivers, she said.

Sage Potter, owner of Potter's Tea House across the street, also reported a drop-off in customers.

"I'd say that we've seen some decrease due to the construction," he said. "There's not as much walking around or drive-ins."

But the City of Meridian has a message for downtown businesses: keep hanging in there.

RELATED: State Street construction taking a toll on businesses

This weekend, Meridian Mayor Tammy de Weerd is encouraging people to participate in a cash mob.

You won't see any choreographed dance moves. This cash mob is about getting people to eat at

the restaurants, shop the boutiques, or get a haircut at the salons that might feel now like

they're trapped on Construction Island.

The mayor and other city employees kicked off the cash mob Friday, grabbing sandwiches and

tea at Potter's Tea House. She said she hopes residents across Meridian do the same.

"Come out and show our businesses we support our downtown," de Weerd said. "We want a vibrant downtown, and they're an important ingredient to that."

And there's more good news. The Pine Avenue Entry project is set to wrap up in mid-September, pulling up its orange barrels and leaving behind a new and improved corridor into downtown.

West said she's excited about the project's completion, and encouraged to hear of the interest in supporting downtown businesses.

"All of these businesses have remained open for business and have felt that pressure

from people not being able to access [them,] so just a reminder that we're toughing through this difficult time is definitely appreciated," she said.

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