The first phase of the $2.4 million upgrade of the Garfield Parkway in Bethany Beach has local business owners saying all the activity is driving customers away.
The first phase began in February on the north side of the Parkway and is expected to be completed by May 15th.
That’s just before the tourist season begins.
Jackie Inman, owner of Bethany Books, told the Wilmington News Journal that many customers are not sure where to park and that people with strollers find it difficult to move through the smaller sidewalks.
She said that town officials and the Bethany-Fenwick chamber of Commerce are trying to develop ways to let customers know the town is open for business.
Inman told the paper that there are plans for a grand reopening of the downtown area when the work on the first phase ends.
All the work on the project, that will include 2 and half blocks from the boardwalk past Pennsylvania and Atlantic avenues, is expected to be finished by December 1st.
