The announcement about Downtown Youngstown construction has business downtown worried.

City officials announced that West Federal Street between Market Street and Phelps Street will be closed effective Monday, April 29, 2024, until August 1, 2024. The work is part of the next phase of the SMART2 Roadway project.

Market Street northbound traffic at Federal St. will be reopened to traffic. However, Market Street southbound traffic at Federal St. will be closed on Monday for approximately two weeks.

The SMART2 project has already raised concerns for local business these past few years, but the new phase could take away customers during the busiest season of the year. 

One of the businesses worried about the new phase of construction is Avalon Downtown. The owner said she’s worried this won’t only affect her, but anyone who works with the pizzeria.

“If we don’t have the business, then we have to cut back on our staff. You’re not buying as much product, so then your vendor is affected. You know, it’s not just one entity affected in a business,” said Anne Massullo-Sabella, Owner of Avalon Downtown. 

Since the new construction could make parking downtown difficult, Massullo-Sabella said she is glad the Avalon has another way for customers to enter the pizzeria. For business that don't have another way to enter, the construction could stop customers who can't find parking from stopping by.

The continued roadwork will also run through summer festival season. The city said it's coordinating with organizers to make sure these events go on as planned.

Charles Shasho, the director of public works, says he expects construction to be done by August.