Norfolk business owners impacted by construction in Neon District [Video]

NORFOLK, Va. — Construction is heating up on Granby Street as crews in Norfolk start work on a years-long project making improvements in the heart of Norfolk’s Neon District.

“Hopefully, it’ll attract more customers,” said Michael Benton, the owner of Stark and Legum.

“So, there’s some initial anxiety because you immediately think about the process,” said Brian Zawacki, the store manager of Zeke’s Beans and Bowls. “But ultimately, I think it’s a long-overdue project .”

Construction on Granby Street is closing off a lane of traffic from Brambleton Ave to Olney Rd. Benton said this project is exciting but the work here is causing a major headache for his store.

“It’s actually slowing business down for sure,” he said.

Benton said his customers are having a hard time trying to park in the area as crews work on the street right in front of his store.

“Parking has always been a problem,” Benton said. “But now with this …