Downtown Businesses Struggling Due to Streetscape Project

Wheeling, W.Va. (WTRF) With the Wheeling Streetscapes project continuing to transform downtown, there is still much work to be done.

Now that Main Street is paved, it is now Market Street’s turn.

Even though the project is necessary to revitalize the downtown area, it is making for tough times for some local businesses.

With the sidewalks torn up and orange cones everywhere, it is difficult to access some businesses.

Vagabond Kitchen, located at the corner of 12 ^th and market streets, is having this exact issue.

There is a ramp that was built off 12 ^th street to provide access to the restaurant, but the owner says business has still been slow.

“This is probably our darkest time of the project, so we’re just trying to get through this and turn the page on a beautiful new downtown Wheeling. When you come down here to eat give yourself a little bit more time. Take a deep breath, remember it looks worse than it actually is, the streetscape bark is worse than its bite. You can still find a place to park; you may have to walk a little further to get here. There is a safe path; these guys built us a nice ramp up to our front entrance.”

Matt Welsch – Owner, Vagabond Kitchen

Matt Welsch says the numbers are almost as bad as in 2020, during the COVID pandemic.

You can support the restaurant and other local businesses facing similar issues, in more ways than just coming in for a meal.

You can use social media to get the word out and share your good experiences, as well as posting reviews.

Welsch also says there are some new opportunities that will be announced soon so that people can be the lifeline that downtown businesses need right now.

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