Construction hurts E. Aurora businesses

Tis the season for road construction.

In East Aurora, a major project is proving to be more than just an inconvenience.

Lately, a little rain isn't the only thing keeping people off of Main Street in East Aurora.

"The parking, the parking on the street, the street parking is gone," said Amy Dzielski of East Aurora.

In some places so is the street. A massive construction overhaul of Main Street is causing many residents like Amy Dzielski to think twice before heading into town these days.

For those who do decide to brave the rocky terrain, their trips haven't been the same as usual.

"If we're going to come in, it's gonna hit the number of shops you need to do at once instead of doing two or three and enjoying it. It's more of come in, get it done and get out," said Terry Johnson of East Aurora.

For Pizzeria owner Paul Raymond, it's that type of game plan that's taken a bite out of business.

"It's down almost 35, 40 percent. Nobody wants to come in, at lunch time people call me and ask how to get in. I tell them it's not a bomb zone, it's not a war zone, " said Raymond.

There's a reason why Paul is working behind the counter Sunday, he's short handed and not because someone called in sick.

"We usually hire a lot of extra kids for the summer, I've cut back on those college kids."

Business owner Laura Kutas said, "We really haven't seen much of a difference, mean it's an inconvenience for our patrons but we have pretty much have maintained our numbers."