The long-awaited dock project for the wharf in Bristol Borough continues to be held hostage by high bids. The docks, among other initiatives, are supposed to increase business to the historic borough.
The cost of the docks, which came back high in the latest round of bidding, isn’t swaying the hopes of local business owners for the project’s future and its eventual impact on business in the borough.
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“I’m excited about it. A community, public dock is going to be a great addition to Bristol Borough,” said Robert Strasser, one of the owners of the King George II Inn on Radcliffe street.
Boats go by Bristol Borough every day. The travelers have no way to stop in town, even if they wanted to.
Strasser said a dock would alleviate that problem and would allow more people to experience Bristol. “I think it is going to have a very positive impact on all of the local businesses,” Strasser explained.
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Others in the borough share Strasser’s optimism for the dock project’s eventual prospects.
Bill Pezza, the president of Bristol Borough: Raising the Bar, shares Strasser’s viewpoint about increasing access to the town. “They will obviously increase access to the Borough in a way that currently doesn’t exist. Also, I believe it will add to the ascetics of the riverfront. There is something very visually appealing about seeing boats docked on a waterfront.Most important, it will add to the growing attitude shift about the borough that we’re on a very tangible upswing and positive things are happening.”
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According to Pezza, the river is one of the borough’s strongest assets, and he believes every attempt at maximizing it should be pursued.
Other businesses on Mill Street are not as supportive or hopeful of the things the docks may bring.
One business owner, who asked to remain anonymous, says that the dock wont have the effect that Bristol believes it will have. “There are too many empty stores [on Mill Street,] the locals don’t even walk the street any more,” he said.
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Even though he concedes that the docks may initially help in the summer, the borough needs something to draw people in the Winter.
Mary Lou Field, owner of JR Sports has been on Mill Street for about 35 years. “I think it’s going to be good for the businesses,” she said. Clarifying further, she explained “I think it will be good for the restaurants, people always eat,” she said.
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Although viewpoints on a large scale project will always be mixed, another access point to the town is something that most seem to agree is something helpful.
