As the Streetscape project ends, local businesses breathe a sigh of relief

An unveiling one year in the making as Cape Coral celebrated the end of construction on its nearly $14 million Streetscape project.

The project brought wider sidewalks, new street lights, a roundabout, plus water and sewer upgrades. But it also brought a headache for some businesses, whose customers were turned away by the constant detours and construction.

Chris and Jill Bacus said their Italian restaurant on SE 47th Terrace took a more than 50 percent hit.

“It does it look great, don’t get me wrong,” Jill said. “The trees look nice, the lights they look nice, but we have to think about user-friendly as well.”

They said the beautification and wider sidewalks took away necessary customer parking.

Just down the road, Duval’s used to be City Subs. The restaurant closed because of Streetscape construction, but said they are back now and better than ever.

“People are already going up and down the sidewalk more than we’ve ever seen before,” said Mauricio Pelletier, the owner of Duval’s.  “It’s just gonna increase with time as people come to realize this is here.”

Either way, businesses on SE 47th Terrace are ready to put the construction behind them as the city looks toward a bright future for their downtown area.

“Hopefully this is a positive,” Chris Bacus said. “People come back to the area because they see the roads are open and that the city worked hard to make it nicer.”