Atlanta, October 16, 2025
News Summary
Competing construction projects in Midtown Atlanta are causing significant disruptions for local business owners, leading to reduced hours and declining customer traffic. With ongoing road closures and severe traffic congestion, many establishments are feeling the strain, prompting owners to seek support from the community. The Midtown Alliance is managing improvements but acknowledges delays in the Juniper Street Complete Street Project. Business owners urge the public to continue supporting local shops, emphasizing the community’s role in recovery once construction is complete.
Atlanta – Competing construction projects in Midtown Atlanta are causing significant disruptions for local business owners, leading to concerns about their operations and future viability. Ongoing road closures and persistent traffic congestion have forced many businesses to reduce their hours, with reports indicating a noticeable decline in customer traffic during peak dining times.
Ayman Kamel, who manages two restaurants under K5 Hospitality in Midtown, has observed a marked decrease in dinner reservations due to the adverse effects of construction on 10th Street, Piedmont Road, and Juniper Street. Many drivers have voiced their frustrations, describing the area during rush hour as feeling like a “parking lot” due to severe congestion.
The Midtown Alliance, a non-profit organization working in collaboration with the City of Atlanta, is overseeing the management of public street improvements. According to Brian Carr, spokesperson for the Midtown Alliance, the Juniper Street Complete Street Project, initiated in May 2023, is currently five months behind schedule. This project aims to widen sidewalks and improve bike lane safety, with expectations to reach substantial completion by the end of the year, pending tasks such as landscaping and traffic signal installation. Carr has also noted that the disruptions caused by concurrent construction projects are contributing to delays.
In an effort to lessen the negative impact on local businesses, Kamel proposed that construction teams operate overnight. However, city noise ordinances restrict certain hours of work, although Saturday construction was permitted to help expedite the project.
Approximately 100,000 people work, live, or visit Midtown on a daily basis. In light of the ongoing construction, the Midtown Alliance has recommended that drivers plan their routes and consider detours to mitigate delays. In addition to the Juniper Street project, the construction of a new skyscraper on 12th Street is also causing disruptions, particularly affecting small business owners and residents between West Peachtree and Spring streets.
Business owner Erica Williams has reported that her new smoothie shop, Boozie Smoothies, is being adversely affected by the ongoing construction, as foot traffic declines and access becomes more challenging. Williams has expressed concern about the potential long-term impact on nearby shops as construction delays continue.
Local resident Trae Gibson has highlighted the impact of construction noise on his ability to work from home, stating that the situation has become increasingly disruptive. Despite these challenges, Williams remains optimistic about the future of her business, believing that once the construction is completed, the area’s vitality will return.
Local business owners are actively urging the public to continue supporting their establishments amid these significant disruptions, emphasizing the importance of maintaining community ties as conditions improve in Midtown Atlanta.
FAQs
What are the main issues caused by the construction projects in Midtown Atlanta?
Competing construction projects in Midtown Atlanta are alarming local business owners. Road closures have persisted for extended periods, endangering operations and forcing reductions in hours for businesses.
How has traffic been affected during construction?
Drivers expressed frustrations about severe traffic congestion in Midtown, describing it as feeling like a “parking lot” during rush hour.
What is the purpose of the Juniper Street Complete Street Project?
The project aims to widen sidewalks and improve bike lane safety and is expected to be substantially completed by the end of the year, pending remaining tasks like landscaping and installation of traffic signals.
How many people are directly affected by the construction in Midtown?
Approximately 100,000 people work, live, or visit Midtown daily, prompting the Midtown Alliance to recommend planning routes and considering detours.
Key Features of the Construction Projects in Midtown Atlanta
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Current Projects | Juniper Street Complete Street Project, New Skyscraper Construction |
| Impact on Local Businesses | Increased road closures, traffic congestion, and reduced customer traffic |
| Anticipated Completion | End of 2023 for Juniper Street Project, potential delays for the skyscraper |
| Daily Foot Traffic | Approximately 100,000 people |
| Business Owner Actions | Encouraging public support and suggesting nighttime construction |
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Additional Resources
- City of Madison: Road Closure on Mid Town Road
- Fox 5 Atlanta: Midtown Atlanta Construction Causes Chaos for Businesses
- WSBTV: Midtown Atlanta Business Owners Struggling Due to Construction
- Wikipedia: Midtown Atlanta
- Google Search: Midtown Atlanta construction
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
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