Bouquet Road Closure Hits Small Shops Hard

The city’s plan to build 375 homes on Bouquet Canyon Road has forced a year‑long road shutdown, hurting nearby businesses. Shop owners say the closure cuts traffic that brings customers from southbound Bouquet and northbound Plum Canyon. A local convenience store owner began his business just before the road was closed and learned about it only from neighbors. He worries that high gas prices and blocked access will keep customers away for good. Another popular pizza place on the corner of Plum and Bouquet roads sent a letter to patrons, explaining that no one in the area knew about the road closure until they did. The letter claimed negotiations with the city fell apart, leaving the restaurant’s future uncertain.A mayor who helped approve the shutdown says she isn’t a traffic expert but promised to keep people informed. She also said the city cannot use public funds for business relief, though it is working on new programs. The city manager told a council meeting that economic development plans are in the works, but details are still being drafted. Business owners have been directed to a county small‑business center, which says it can offer limited help. A developer representative did not respond to a request for comment. Despite the city’s pledge, shop owners feel the shutdown is damaging their daily operations and visibility. They ask for financial support or a quicker solution to keep their businesses alive while construction continues.