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I am in full support of the Tygart Hotel being turned into a useable space again but I wonder if people are overestimating how much effect it will actually have on the local economy.
I'm sure it will attract tourists to stay during the very few big events that are held in the county but I have never in my life heard of or felt the urge to go somewhere just so I can stay at a hotel.
The hotel is aimed at tourists, not locals. Locals will not be staying there or spending their money there. Locals want clothing, art supply, antique, salons and donut shops to spend their money at. Like the businesses that are currently being effected by the road closure.
I guess it's OK to see these current businesses hurting as long as it's for "the price of progress" as Mayor Marco put it in the most tone-deaf way anyone could.
I personally have watched people avoid that section of Davis Avenue because of the construction. Tourists that have come in for the trains even assumed the businesses were closed or refused to explore that part of the street because of the construction.
The city needs to do more to support these businesses, reimburse them, put up bigger signs directing people to the street, and find a way to not close the street completely off.
For anyone reading this, please go frequent the shops on that part of Davis Avenue. Spend a few dollars, talk with the owners, and tell people you know and even people that you run into about the shops.
Hopefully, Mayor Marco and the rest of the city will finally take their blinders made of money off and do something to help the businesses effected.
Matthew Brenwalt
Beverly