Bridge Delay, Business Decay

For the last couple of years, businesses on Brockport’s, Main St have been struggling. Major construction on the lift bridge has rerouted traffic away from Main St and is causing businesses to suffer. Frequent delays have disrupted shoppers and retailers. 

Josh Tubiolo is the owner of Chunk’s Choice Smoke Shop. Tubiolo says he’s noticed a significant decrease in foot traffic.

“The bridge being closed has been a big hit to the pocket. I do a lot of online auctions to make a couple bucks while the bridge is closed. Now my sales are 50/50 online and in store,” Tubiolo said. 

Businesses like Tubiolos are now moving online as a way to stay afloat. Online sales bring new complications like packaging, shipping and returning items to buyers.

“If I wasn’t online I would be closed. I hope to move away from online sales because it’s a pain in the ass. Online sales are our most popular items are swords and in person our most popular items are glassware or CBD. I’m selling very different products so I can keep the shop,” Tubiolo said. 

Chunks is not the only business on Main St. That has been forced to move to online sales. Tom Willis is the owner of Collectables and More has had to sell gold and silver. 

“For the past two years I have had to diversify my business online by selling silver and gold. It’s a good business but it’s heavily regulated and not what this store is about,” Willis said. 

The lift bridge was originally planned to reopen in February of 2025. Due to delay of materials, worker fatigue, and the death of the company’s project manager, the bridge is estimated to be complete in June of 2025. As the delays keep coming, business owners are losing out on potential customers. Despite the difficult detour to Chunk’s Choice, loyal clientele still make the trip.

Emily Henry is a frequent customer of Chunk’s Choice Smoke Shop. Henry relies on Chunk’s Cannabidiol (CBD) gummies to help with insomnia.

“I love the CBD gummies from Chunk’s. They help me sleep. I have insomnia, so some nights I’m up until 4 a.m. and then my next day is ruined. When I take a CBD gummy I have a good night’s sleep and I’m ready to take on the day. I wish the bridge wasn’t out because it’s more annoying, but I don’t care. I will keep going to Chunk’s,” Henry said.

 For loyal patrons a detour is not enough to make them choose a different store. Unfortunately, businesses need people coming in and out of their doors all day to make profit. 

 

As the lift bridge project inches toward its new completion date in June 2025, business owners feel the most impact. Until the bridge reopens customers will continue to be inconvenienced.