Paving crews spent Tuesday laying fresh asphalt to a one-block stretch of south 3rd street that for more than a year has resembled a mine field.
"I think it has really impacted us a great deal," said Susan McKee, owner of Old City Flowers. "I mean, the people need to come in and walk around and be safe on a street and not feel like they're going to fall."
Back in October, 2011, a sewer main dating back to the 1850s broke, triggering repair- and replacement work that tore up the street from Market to Chestnut for 14 months.
What started as a Water department project ultimately included several other utilities, making a mess of a block where businesses were already struggling to survive.
"The woman across the street- she left. The guy down the street- he left," said McKee, describing for FOX 29s Bruce Gordon the business owners who called it quits during the disruption.
"To stay, you have to have some staying power."
Like others who have stuck it out, McKee is optimistic about the future.
"The possibilities and the curb appeal and the street lights that are going to go in, hopefully will pay off. But we have lost a significant part of our business."
Traffic was flowing by late Tuesday afternoon. There will likely be brief interruptions on Wednesday, for striping work at either end of the block.
But for all intents and purposes, this never ending project is finally complete.
Friday, May 17 2013 6:01 PM EDT2013-05-17 22:01:38 GMT
Police are investigating a bizarre confrontation at a local elementary school. The alleged combatants were a grown woman and an 11-year-old girl. Some of the details are still a little twisted, reports
Police are investigating a bizarre confrontation at a local elementary school. The alleged combatants were a grown woman and an 11-year-old girl.
Monday, May 13 2013 6:49 PM EDT2013-05-13 22:49:41 GMT
You could use fancy mowers, trimmers and clippers to rid your property of tall grass, weeds and invasive plants. Or you could bring in a team of living, breathing "specialists."
You could use fancy mowers, trimmers and clippers to rid your property of tall grass, weeds and invasive plants. Or you could bring in a team of living, breathing "specialists."
Thursday, May 23 2013 7:19 AM EDT2013-05-23 11:19:45 GMT
Firefighters are at the scene of an apartment building fire in Allentown where authorities say one person has been found dead, but his death is believed to be unrelated to the blaze.
Firefighters are at the scene of an apartment building fire in Allentown where authorities say one person has been found dead, but his death is believed to be unrelated to the blaze.
Thursday, May 23 2013 7:06 AM EDT2013-05-23 11:06:41 GMT
You ordered Grey Goose but got Popov? An undercover sting busts dozens of bars accused of serving you bottom shelf booze at top shelf prices, and one major chain was caught up in the bar boondoggle.
You ordered Grey Goose but got Popov? An undercover sting busts dozens of bars accused of serving you bottom shelf booze at top shelf prices, and one major chain was caught up in the bar boondoggle.
Thursday, May 23 2013 5:55 AM EDT2013-05-23 09:55:21 GMT
Today's weather? Cloudy, muggy, and eventually, stormy. If you get a strong to severe storm, it would probably be lat afternoon and evening. Highs in the upper 70s. Some of the storms will produce locally heavy rain and gusty winds.
This system is from the same cold front that caused the midwest tornadoes. It will also usher in cooler air for the holiday weekend.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 7:39 PM EDT2013-05-22 23:39:12 GMT
The volunteer effort in Oklahoma is underway. Groups from across the country have hit the road, delivering hot meals to anyone in need. One local organization is doing what they can to help the victims
The volunteer effort in Oklahoma is underway. Groups from across the country have hit the road, delivering hot meals to anyone in need. One local organization is doing what they can to help the victims
Wednesday, May 22 2013 5:04 PM EDT2013-05-22 21:04:25 GMT
Veteran narcotics officer Jeff Walker was part of some of Philadelphia's most celebrated drug raids including a huge marijuana bust that netted $1.5 million dollars in pot. Now Walker finds himself on
Veteran narcotics officer Jeff Walker was part of some of Philadelphia's most celebrated drug raids including a huge marijuana bust that netted $1.5 million dollars in pot. Now Walker finds himself on
Wednesday, May 22 2013 4:59 PM EDT2013-05-22 20:59:02 GMT
The Philadelphia parents who admitted to praying for their sick baby instead of getting him medical attention are charged with third-degree murder. Herbert and Catherine Schaible's seven-month-old son,
The Philadelphia parents who admitted to praying for their sick baby instead of getting him medical attention are charged with third-degree murder. Herbert and Catherine Schaible's seven-month-old son,
A 'For Rent' sign is seen in the area of south 3rd Street in Philadelphia's Old City section.
