Lost revenue ignites concern for Businesses in Moss Landing after Power Plant fire
MOSS LANDING, Calif. (KION-TV) -- Businesses in Moss Landing are experiencing a drop in foot traffic after the battery facility across the highway from town caught fire.
Jennifer Lawrence with Woodward Marine Market had to close for 4 days, losing substantial revenue.
"So that we're right now, week over week from compared to last week to this week. We're down at least 200%," said Lawrence.
It wasn't just revenue lost.
"How much food did you have to throw away?" KION asked.
"Quite a bit. You know, seafood it doesn't last very long, so quite a bit. We're still going through all of that right now," said Lawrence.
Some businesses are still paying its employees while they're closed.
"We are still paying out of pocket while we are closed," said Kim Ritez-Solano with The Haute Enchilada.
Although the majority of places are back open, locals here say it feels like a ghost town. They say people may be hesitating to come despite reassurance from the EPA that it is safe to be in the area.
"We closed for three days and of course, it impacted the business in just the whole I mean. When I came to work Tuesday. It was like that, you know, or so that I know. One year, no cars or anything," said Rina DiGirolamo, manager of Phils Snack Shack and Deli.
Slowly, more customers could be seen walking into businesses Thursday afternoon.
"We heard on the news that they want more people to come down. So we've been trying to get here. So this seemed like a wonderful time to come," said Cathy Chavez Miller who lives in Aromas.
"Today we're seeing a little bit better energy and more people and we really appreciate our locals," said Lawrence.