Henderson businesses yield to construction
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HENDERSON, Tenn. — A nearly $1 million project for the city of Henderson has some shoppers circling the block while business owners say progress for the city is setting back their bottom line. As part of a multi-phase beautification project, orange cones and construction crews line Main Street in Henderson. “I think it’s awesome, and they’re doing a great job,” Marsha Morgan said. Blueprints show the downtown area eventually will have new lights and be compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act with the addition of handicap accessible ramps. Some store owners said businesses are taking a hit from the construction. “We did not realize at the time it was going to take up so much parking,” City Drug Store owner and pharmacist Charles McNatt said. City Drug Store has lost three parking spots directly in front of the store to the project. “I don’t even have places for my employees to park a lot of days,” he said. Stores are now posting signs encouraging shoppers to use the back entrances. McNatt said combining construction from Freed-Hardeman University with the sidewalk project may be forcing shoppers elsewhere. Those who do brave the mess must look for parking in a city-owned lot behind Main Street. “Parking is a premium right now in downtown Henderson,” McNatt said. City officials confirmed about 10 spots will be removed from Main Street. Mayor Bobby King said that is why a parking lot was built on Front Street to house around 15 spaces. Marsha Morgan said her son has cerebral palsy and while the construction is inconvenient now, the city needs the new sidewalks. “It’ll be good for my son. He’ll be able to get around better,” she said. Construction is expected to last until February 2016.
