Bloomfield businesses report losses during Liberty Avenue construction
PITTSBURGH —
Businesses along Liberty Avenue in Pittsburgh’s Bloomfield neighborhood are reporting significant losses as water line construction projects continue.
“There’s dirt all over the front of the building. It’s heavy construction. They tear the streets up every day, then they repair them, and then they come back and tear them up again the next day,” said Dave Cee, owner of Groove Gallery and Records.
The construction is part of Pittsburgh Water’s project to replace aging water and lead service lines.
“We know what the hazards are, and how it can affect health with lead pipes and all that stuff, so we totally get it as an investment. But in the short term, business has been pretty bad for us,” said Kevin Jirachertchoowong, of Thai Cuisine restaurant.
Since the project began over the summer, businesses along Liberty Avenue have reported a decline in sales, citing traffic congestion and limited parking as primary issues.
“People have to go kind of towards the residential parking, and that tends to fill up quickly. And even that, with them setting up construction equipment all over the sides,” Jirachertchoowong said.
Cee said his business has seen a 58% drop in revenue and has been seeking answers from the mayor’s office.
“I’d like him to explain to me what the plan is here, because it seems to me that this could be done a lot more efficiently,” Cee said.
The mayor’s office referred inquiries to Pittsburgh Water, which said that the bulk of Liberty Avenue construction is expected to be completed this fall, aside from curb, sidewalk and street restoration.
In a statement, Pittsburgh Water thanked the community for its patience, saying, “We understand the impact that construction can have on businesses along a busy commercial corridor, and our team has been working to maintain access throughout the project, including coordinating around major neighborhood events.”
In a statement, City Council member Deb Gross said, “I’ve heard from constituents and businesses. We are working with Pittsburgh Water and Bloomfield RCOs to provide better communication to business owners and residents as well as looking for ways to minimize the impact of this work on the neighborhood.”
Pittsburgh Water said it remains on track to replace all remaining residential lead service lines in Allegheny County by the end of 2027.