Somerville construction pushes pet store, hair salon to brink

Why it matters: Somerville business owners say the years-long construction is straining them, especially when they don't get sufficient warning about the nature or length of the work.

• For Martin's business, which opened last year, it could mean the end. 

The big picture: Somerville is in the throes of slow-moving sewer and sidewalk projects aimed at bringing the city's infrastructure into the 21st century.

• The work has become the bane of residents' existence. Motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians say the roads are unnavigable and streets get closed unexpectedly.
• The city has added "traffic-calming" measures, including speed humps and raised intersections to improve traffic safety.

Yes, but: The ripped-up streets and sidewalks have burdened locals who get around by foot, especially those with disabilities. 

• Martin and nearly two dozen customers say they now avoid the dog park near her business, and some of her canine clients are too afraid of the construction equipment to make it to her store on Summer Street. 
• Two residents said they worry about tripping and injuring their ankles.

State of play: Martin says she has repeatedly asked construction crews and city officials for consistent communication about the length and nature of the construction, to no avail.

• She received a small-business grant from the city, but it wasn't enough to cover her losses from the summer. 
• Crews installed new concrete sidewalks in front of the business this week and are moving construction east along Summer Street, says Grace Munns, a city spokesperson.

The other side: Munns said the city's construction liaison has met with Martin to discuss the construction and others shared information via email.

• The city is sharing updates through its city alert system, though residents told Axios they don't always receive construction updates before they happen. (Somerville recommends checking its construction website for more detailed updates.)
• Brad Rawson, Somerville's director of mobility, told a resident during a city meeting earlier this month, "This is right in the middle of probably one of the most complicated construction areas that we have right now.
• "We have a long track record of working with other businesses in comparable situations."

Between the lines: Martin, who has 20 years of marketing experience, says she was seeing exponential growth until June, when the construction began. 

• The losses she faced were far beyond what she was expecting from customers' summer travel or any other hurdles she had anticipated, partly because she heard the construction near her would wrap up by this past spring.

What they're saying: "I no longer feel welcome here in Somerville," says Martin, a 15-year resident, citing the response from city officials and construction crews. 

• "I don't feel heard. I don't feel like I matter to Somerville, and that has tainted my feeling about the city that I loved." 

Vinny Hollis, who owns a hair salon next door, says he has lost clients — some for good — since construction started 18 months ago. 

• "I fear, as a business owner, I will soon face the same decision [as other businesses] to close or relocate if conditions do not improve soon," he said. 

What's next: Martin had plans to create a community rainbow bridge memorial, offer pet loss support groups and help others launch pet-focused startups. 

• Now, she says, she's trying to stay afloat. The trench blocking her entrance, which was filled in later that day, was one of several disruptions that cost her business. 
• In the worst-case scenario, "I don't make it past January."