CARMEL, Ind. -- Construction began Monday on Pennsylvania Street in Carmel, Indiana, just south and east of J. Razzo's restaurant. The owner is not happy.
"Lunch time was down 50 percent," John Perazzo said. "Dinner was down 30 percent. I was just starting to build it back up and they close another street again."
Perazzo is frustrated that a roundabout is being built in front of the Renaissance Hotel located at 11925 North Pennsylvania St. He contends that he was not notified that it going to be built and it is chipping away at his customer base.
"It has hurt the business," Lisa Duncan said. "He was hurt by the [U.S. 31] overpass right there. Now he's had to face the Pennsylvania closure. I feel bad for him. I don't know what Carmel can do for him, but it would be nice."
It should be noted that the U.S. 31 construction was a state project, not a Carmel project. But that doesn't make it easier for Perazzo to take
"I'm going to send an email to my customers to tell them a new way to get here," he said. "I'm going to talk to someone from the city of Carmel today. It's so difficult right now."
While the city of Carmel empathizes with Perazzo, in his State of the City address Tuesday, Mayor James Brainard said it's full speed ahead.
"Roundabouts are an excellent way for us to improve the safety and efficiency of our roads," Brainard said.
Perrazo's customers are stepping up to help.
"I live close by here," Harris Jones said. "The construction doesn't bother me. So I called eight of my friends to have lunch here and support a local businessman."
This latest construction is supposed to last 45 days.
