They're open for business on Corbett Street

In response to business owners on Corbett Street who fear the Roop Street renovation project is keeping patrons from their shops, the Carson City Transportation Department has posted new signs directing traffic to their street.

"We've had some concerns from business owners who want everyone to know that their street is open for business," said Transportation Director Patrick Pittenger.

"Progress is a wonderful thing, but it can be slow, and with the economy down, this is a long process that won't be done until November. We want to help get the word out that they are open on Corbett Street," Pittenger said.

Signs alerting motorists to Corbett Street access have been placed at Roop and East William, Stewart and East William, Long and Stewart, and Long and Corbett.

Pittenger said he drove out with Supervisor Pete Livermore to visit with business owners on Corbett Street to hear their concerns.

Jan Rispin, who has owned Jan's Tropics for 46 years, said, "The Roop Street work has already affected us, and if it goes on until November, we didn't know how we were going to make it."

"We'd try to give people from Reno directions because they don't know their way around Carson, and they'd just say, 'I give up,' because it was so confusing," she said.

She said the city was great to work with, and she is hoping the signs the city put up will help all the businesses on her street get more traffic.

Zack Mueller moved his 17-year business, Distinct Ink, to 934 Corbett St. three years ago. He said Roop is the only legitimate entrance to the 10 or so businesses that line Corbett.

"The recession affected us, then on top of that, the road closure was damaging, but I think it was an accumulation of both," Mueller said.

"The signs said 'Road Closed Ahead,' which didn't help people know we were all still open, so any kind of signage the city can add helps. I'd like to see more, but hopefully, they're still working on that," he said.

Roop Street will be closed to through traffic from Washington Street north to Stewart Street while new underground utilities are installed and the street is widened.

When completed, Roop Street will have two lanes in each direction with center left-turn lanes. The project also includes new sidewalks and bicycle accommodations.