Businesses Upset Over Road Closure
Watermill owner Lynn Vanauken shares a few laughs with her customers.
Something she wont be doing tomorrow.
The pool and hot tub store on Main Street will be closing its doors- a decision Lynn isnt too happy about.
"We make hay when the sun shining, just like farmers do, and the third week in June cant be made up in the 3rd week in July or 3rd week in August, because people are opening their pools.
Previously at a youth park for the last few years, this year Union Gap's "Old Town Days" are going much more public- taking over a busy street downtown.
The road right in front of Lynn's business.
"It's just an idea that we had we thought it would be more visible, the parks are beautiful and a nice location but it just wasn't seeing the traffic that we would like to see, so we are going to be able to pull a whole lot more people," says Union Gap's Tourism Coordinator Scott Steinloski.
Beginning at 9 am tomorrow a street fair will completely close the road between the intersection of Main Street and Old Town Road- to Valley Mall Boulevard- but the city hopes the closure will actually bring in more foot traffic to local businesses.
"Definitely, its just the differences in businesses I mean some will benefit and then there are some where it doesn't help a whole lot," says Steinloski.
Another business owner agrees with the city- this fair is a win for the community and his company.
"I think so, it can bring more customers they can walk on the street, I think it's much better for my business," says Alex Munos.
But Lynn Vanuaken isn't convinced, and hopes this is the first and last year her business will have to close.
"It's gonna be tough, is it gonna be devastating probably not but I sure hope they'll decide to take it back to the park."