"We haven't really experienced any major construction in our downtown for a long time," Harpst said. "We had a big hit with TRAX construction on Main Street, and we had a big hit with the Olympics, but we really haven't had much since then, so it's prudent to take a look and determine what the problem areas might be."

On Main Street downtown a couple of longtime business owners ho-hummed the construction. After all, they said, they have survived worse, like Main Street beautification in the '70s and light rail construction in the '90s.

"It doesn't matter what our concerns are, they're going to go ahead with it anyway," said Bob McKay, owner of McKay Jewelers, which has been on Main Street for 55 years.

Down the street at Main Street staple Lamb's Grill, owner John T. Speros said he is a bit concerned, but with a loyal customer base he isn't overly frightened.

"I guess we'll just have to grin and bear it," he said.

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E-mail: bsnyder@desnews.com