Batavia construction causes pub to suffer

The Batavia bridge construction may have claimed its first casualty.

One East Wilson Grille & Pub has closed at least temporarily due to decreased business.

Owners of the restaurant and building are hoping that something can be done to alleviate a difficult parking situation and bring in more patrons.

"I don't know what can be done, but I know something has to be done," said Susan Wicklund, one of the building's owners.

The restaurant is the closest business to the river on the northeast side of the bridge.

Business representatives spoke to a Batavia City Council committee last week about if anything could be done from the city's end, and several residents have considered putting together an outing to benefit the pub.

Attempts to reach restaurant owner Scott Jones this week were unsuccessful.

Phone service is temporarily disconnected to the restaurant, and a sign on the door informs patrons that the restaurant is closed "today."

The most difficult aspect of the construction for the business has been parking, Wicklund said.

"People are not going to park three or four blocks away and walk by three other restaurants to get to it," she said.

One East Wilson was one of the businesses that asked the city not to allow a contractor's request for a three-week complete closure of the bridge last month, saying it would hurt business even more.

The downtown restaurant opened in 2003, and Jones bought the business in 2004.