A business owner in Troy who said he may soon have to close his doors told NewsChannel 13 ongoing construction on Campbell Avenue is squeezing his business.

But city leaders said the construction would bring much-needed improvements to that area. Mayor Carmella Mantello told NewsChannel 13 this project would mark a huge upgrade for the area.

“With all the safety measures, the drainage, the lead — a $1 million-plus corridor complete overhaul — you’re not talking a couple weeks. So, folks knew it was going to be a bit painful. I thank the residents; I thank the businesses and we’re doing everything we can to mitigate that pain,” Mantello said.

In a press release sent out from the city on June 7, the city said the project would begin on June 10th and take several weeks. However as of July 24 it is still not finished and the mayor said there’s still about 3 more weeks to go.

This is all impacting around 11 businesses though. NewsChannel 13 visited DeMeo’s Wine and Liquor. Owner Anthony DeMeo said construction has deterred customers and cut off some deliveries.

“I’m not seeing repeat customers anymore. You know, customers I’ve seen for, you know, the better part of the last 15 or 20 years, I haven’t seen them for weeks and weeks now,” said Demeo.

During an exchange with Mantello on Wednesday, he felt the mayor was not hearing his concerns.

“I thought it was very unprofessional, how I was spoken to and just the general tone of things. I think it was very, very, very disrespectful,” DeMeo said.

DeMeo’s Wine and Liquor is not the only store struggling as a result of this construction. Dunkin Donuts now closing 3 hours earlier, and Ivy Nail Salon struggling to pay rent.

“We just need help. We need some kind of help to pay rent or something like that. I don’t know because the rent (is) expensive. We don’t make any money,” said Lito Ronio, the manager of the salon.

Ronio said his wife who owns the store is crying every night.

“We’re completely dead. The mayor came this morning. She saw the parking lot. It’s empty, attractive to, you know, the business and so we don’t make any money,” Ronio said.

Mayor Mantello said she is here for these businesses who are struggling. The city can provide support and technical assistance and support letters for financial assistance.

“Outside of financial, we’re there and they know that,” said Mantello.