We are open: Washburn businesses granted permission to place signs to attract more customers

Construction continues to pinch businesses on Bayfield Street, but Washburn is taking measures to try to help.

Business owners can now place additional signs, part of a measure approved by city council that essentially lifts the city’s sign ordinances and enforcement until six months after phase one of construction is complete. After that, the moratorium goes into effect during phase two of construction, which is expected to start in 2027 and wrap in September 2028. The moratorium would then be revoked six months after phase two is completed.

The move comes as businesses are struggling to get people to stop and shop downtown. During construction on Bayfield Street, motorists are being rerouted. Signs have been installed to direct motorists to various businesses, but the work continues to hurt revenue.

“These guys down here are really, really struggling,” said council member Thomas Niemes Jr.

Council member John Hopkins, who owns two businesses, agreed. “I haven’t seen anybody at our businesses” since construction began, he said.

“We have Patsy’s right across the street. And let me tell you that they are happy with this ordinance; with the idea that they’re able to do a little more advertising,” he said.

South Shore Brewery Owner Bo Belanger feels the decision was a good gesture, but doesn’t believe additional signage will make that big of a difference. His business has been hit hard since construction began earlier this year.

“It’s been tough,” he said. “We haven’t been able to do little projects, like touching up the paint. It’s an old building that needs a lot of work.”

The extent of the problem caused by the lack of business goes beyond not being able to fund small repairs.

“We’re to the bone. We’ve laid off people. We’re a skeleton crew. We’re surviving on making beer and making people smile,” Belanger said.

While tourists usually help provide a financial cushion, he said, “If it weren’t for the locals, we wouldn’t make it.”

While construction continues over the coming months, Belanger said he misses how things used to be and has questions about the future.

“I miss being super busy, full of people. We’re tight right now.”