Business roped off the entire sidewalk and parking places on street while waiting to work on roof.

Question

Pedestrians now must walk in road in traffic path, as even the curb areas are roped off.  This is downtown.  I called to see how long they anticipate the sidewalk being inaccessible and they told me however long it takes them and to just walk around it (in street with 30 mph speed limit and stuff like log trucks frequently going by).   Can they really block it indefinitely, even with no active work going on?  I understand the need with workers present, but not 24/7 with no idea when work will even begin.

James L. Arrasmith · Answer

It's frustrating when sidewalk access is blocked without clear timelines. Typically, businesses need permits from the city to restrict public pathways, and these permits usually have time limits. If the work hasn't started or is taking excessively long, it might violate local regulations. 
 
I recommend reaching out to your city's public works or transportation department to report the situation. They can verify if the business has the necessary permits and if they're adhering to the agreed schedule. Providing them with details and any evidence, like photos, can help expedite the process. 
 
In the meantime, prioritize your safety by being cautious while walking in traffic areas. You might also consider organizing with other pedestrians to raise awareness and push for a quicker resolution. Ensuring open communication with local authorities can lead to a safer and more predictable outcome for everyone involved.

Q: Business roped off the entire sidewalk and parking places on street while waiting to work on roof.