PORT NECHES — Piles of rubble, bulldozers and barricades sit on a section of Port Neches Avenue as construction workers continue on a project to upgrade the historic street.

Even though some access is shut down business owners want people to know they are still open.

“Come on down and shop and give them your business,” Debbie Plaia, executive director of the Port Neches Chamber of Commerce said of the shops and businesses along the avenue. “This (project) has been a long time coming yet they don’t want to be forgotten.”

Some business such as The Yellow Rose Antiques has side doors to accommodate customers while others have back doors, Plaia added.

 

 

Port Neches business owner Esther Macha knows the project will slow down shoppers but the end project is worth it.

“We’re looking toward the light at the end of the tunnel,” Macha, who owns a large, two-story building on the avenue and is the former owner of The Cherry Tree Florist, said. “It’s challenging right now but we know it’s necessary. People can still get to us. There’s a big, city owned parking lot between Marion and Montgomery and shops are still open and we’re still conducting business. You just have to follow the detour signs.”

Construction on the Port Neches Avenue Enhancement Project began in late April. The first section to undergo work is between Block and Marin. Once this segment is completed the constructor will then work between Marion and Llano, Port Neches City Manager Andrè Wimer said. The project is for approximately $800,000, which includes roughly $600,000 of funding from the Texas Department of Transportation. There is a tentative timeline of 68 days, weather permitting. The project includes the replacement of sidewalks, installation of crosswalks, ornamental lighting benches and planters.

Macha explained that business owners had a hand in the project, so to speak.

“All the business owners were able to participate in choosing the ornamental lighting, benches and planters and what will be planted in the planters,” she said.

Mike Lisotta, owner of Mike’s Old Fashioned Soda Fountain, at Port Neches Avenue and Montgomery Street, has decorated the storefront with a summer theme. Inflatable pool rings and beach balls hang from outside the business. The soda fountain was closed for about 12 days while construction crews worked nearby.

“It wasn’t safe for customers to get past the construction,” Lisotta said. “We have some elderly customers come in and I actually enjoyed having a few days off.”

Lisotta is really happy his business is now handicapped accessible.

“Before, there was quite a step up. I had a portable ramp that I would take out there when customers needed help with wheelchairs. I’m just happy everyone can get here.”

Mary Meaux: 409-721-2429

Twitter: MaryMeaux@PANews