Fort Payne kicks off downtown sidewalk project, small business owners raise concerns

FORT PAYNE, Ala. (WAFF) – City leaders in Fort Payne are beginning a major project to spruce up their historic downtown district.

Yet, local business owners are concerned that construction will affect their busiest and most fruitful time of the year.

Construction has begun on the various sidewalks in downtown Fort Payne.

Mayor Brian Baine said these improvements will not only make the downtown district ADA accessible, it will also improve the walkability to nearby businesses.

Baine said this has been a lengthy process from the start.

He said the city has wanted to improve the sidewalks for nearly four years now, but has been going back and forth with the Department of Transportation on the plans.

Finally, construction began around a month ago on bringing new and improved sidewalks to historic downtown Fort Payne.

Phase 1 and 2 of the project will stretch from 1st to 5th Street in downtown Fort Payne, or from Hammer’s to The Spot.

However, many small business owners have voiced concerns over the timing of construction.

Slade Carden, owner of Tiger Lily, has been in business in the area for around sixteen years.

Carden said the work falls during the 4th quarter of their year, a time when holiday shoppers make up most of their yearly profits.

Carden told WAFF 48 he looks forward to this season each year, creating elaborate holiday displays out of his inventory of Christmas trees and ornaments. This is a time that Carden said makes or breaks his business.

“Fourth quarter is the busiest time of year for any retailer, so there are concerns. Ultimately, it’s going to be great when it’s done, and this was just not the best time to start a project like this, but we will be open. I don’t want anyone to think that we’re not so come anyway!” Carden said.

Baine said the city recognizes those concerns, and they are working to assist the shop owners where they can.

”Letting everybody know where there is parking, parking behind the buildings, some of the businesses have opened up their back doors. The Chamber, Main Street, the city, we’re all really working together to try to make sure that everybody visits our downtown,” Baine said.

Baine adds while there is no set timeline for the sidewalk project, the city hopes it will be complete spring of 2025.

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