Businesses take advantage of construction pause in Oldtown Salinas

SALINAS, Calif. (KION) Businesses have expressed concerns as they tried to adapt to pandemic restrictions while construction is ongoing in Oldtown Salinas, and a pause in construction is a welcome change for some.

The construction pause is expected to allow businesses to have full use of the sidewalk space that has been limited due to the construction and tree removal.

Some work will continue at a traffic light, but businesses tell KION that they are happy to see some life in the area again.

"Our customers are able to find parking again, check in and shop for the holidays," said sales associate Echo Grijalva.

As the holiday shopping season begins, it is not just the businesses that are hopeful about the change.

"Now that it's done, we'll just have to enjoy this kind of fresh start. It's just so tough for these businesses and I try to come out to support them,"said Salinas resident Deamer Dunn.

For shoppers, less construction means less time finding parking and walking to businesses and more shopping.