By Sally Haase
(August 9, 2023) — The Bridge may be closed, but Bridge Street is open! Yes, the East Haddam Swing Bridge is undergoing infrastructure repairs that are necessary and eventually will benefit all of us.
Yet, the merchants and businesses of the Tylerville Village Association are suffering losses to unforeseen degrees. The Village and businesses along the Route 154 corridor have all experienced down turns in business as a result of the major bridge reconstruction.
Looking back, Tylerville businesses have endured several business interruptions in the past few years. First, starting in 2016, the Connecticut Water Company interrupted traffic with construction, as they brought water to the Village. Next, the state DOT installed sidewalks and lighting on Bridge Street. Again, this caused traffic disruptions along Bridge Street. Of course, then Covid hit! No one was going out of the house to eat, to shop or to think about home repairs and improvements. Now, the bridge repairs have slowed the traffic when the bridge is open and stopped the traffic when it is closed. What’s next? Oh, yes! Next spring, as the bridge project continues, the state DOT will begin construction on the roundabouts. All of these projects and the pandemic have adversely impacted business in this area.
What is the good news? The Village of Tylerville has clean water that increased the value of properties. The Village has sidewalks and lighting. And, at some point, the Village will be open to traffic again. This time it will be with a sidewalk across the bridge to connect us to East Haddam. There are two new apartment complexes that should enhance the foot traffic in the Village.
But at what cost? Several merchants shared with this reporter that business has been down 50% to 60% each week. Merchants are not only down on sales but have had to schedule employees around bridge closings, often cutting hours from their work weeks. Purchasing, especially fresh vegetables and meat, can be difficult when planning for bridge closures or the reluctance of customers to travel to Tylerville. Some businesses have reduced hours or are now closed on Mondays or Tuesdays.
Much of Tylerville depends on commuters from the other side of the river stopping on the way to or from home to shop. Customers of “destination” type businesses may find that it is too far or too congested to get to Bridge Street. It is interesting to note, that not just Tylerville Village proper is affected by reduced sales; many businesses up and down Route 154 and even into Chester and Deep River are affected.
What can Haddam do to help? Jen Mikulski, of Mike’s Auto Service, has an idea. Mike’s is working on a program that would give (with some restrictions) a discount to their customers who could produce a receipt showing that they had recently patronized one of the merchants in Tylerville. That is an out of the box idea! Wouldn’t it be great if the butchers, the bakers, and candlestick makers in all of Haddam and Higganum considered a similar program?
Produce a receipt and get a free cup of coffee with your meal, a two-for-one price on a grocery item, a dollar off a greeting card, or some other discount.
More importantly, the merchants affected by the bridge project, the ones who have sponsored and supported Haddam’s children’s sport teams and churches and other social events, need help from the people of Haddam. The merchants would welcome your support, especially on Mondays, Tuesdays and in the morning on Wednesdays. Remember, THE BRIDGE is closed but BRIDGE STREET is open.
Photo by Sally Haase
