Springfield's downtown district has been hit with a spate of small business closures, raising concerns about the area's economic health and future. In recent months, several restaurants including Jerk Shop Go, Tacology 201, Loukinens’ on 4th, MaryFlor Mexican Restaurant, and The Wakery have shuttered, as reported by Capitol City Now. Elizabeth Wake, the owner of The Wakery, cited several reasons for her decision to close, with poor traffic downtown being a predominant factor. "A lot of folks say they don’t come downtown because they don’t feel safe in the area," Wake told Capitol City Now, also mentioning issues related to poor lighting and parking. Wake advocates for policy changes and actionable steps to address the decline.
Amidst these closures, concerns from local business owners like Gordon Davis of Whimsy Tea Company have become increasingly vocal. In a statement obtained by Newschannel 20, Davis expressed his unease, noting the stark decrease in downtown activity. Springfield Mayor Misty Buscher aims to quickly rally support for these small enterprises, encouraging business and property owners to seek assistance from the city's Office of Planning Economic Development before deciding to close down. However, Wake and others have expressed frustration over what they perceive to be slow responses and empty promises from local officials and organizations.
These challenges surface in a downtown that both Mayor Buscher and Downtown Springfield Inc. are striving to rejuvenate. The mayor acknowledged the major issues impacting the area, including the transition to work-from-home employment and the devastating fire on Adams Street. "The City’s Economic Development office not only has programs and funding that could be of assistance," Buscher stated, as reported by Capitol City Now. Downtown Springfield, Inc. (DSI) has also recognized the strain on entrepreneurs, with Executive Director Carlos Ortega emphasizing the group's dedication to supporting business owners and developing a robust downtown plan.
"Each business that shuts its doors isn’t just a statistic. It’s someone’s dream, years of sacrifice, long hours, and deep belief in what they had to offer this community," Ortega elaborated, in a sentiment mirrored by the statements provided to Newschannel 20. Despite the adverse conditions, DSI vows to continue to show up for business owners, acknowledging the systemic barriers that extend beyond Springfield's borders but have to particular impact on the historic downtown core.
As the year progresses, the potential for additional closures looms, according to Wake, who remains a staunch advocate for downtown. Her efforts, along with those of other business owners, highlight the growing need for immediate and impactful support to fill the fast-emerging voids in Springfield's once-thriving downtown area.
