Cathedral City businesses discuss impacts of E Palm Canyon construction
Kendall Flynn
CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (KESQ) – Drivers and residents in Cathedral City can expect delays eastbound on E Palm Canyon Drive from June 16 to mid-July for construction. While local businesses say it can be a nuisance to residents, it doesn’t impact their business.
The Cathedral Cove Center is set to be added to the city, with businesses including Chipotle, Starbucks and Farmer Boys. But in order to complete the construction, the roadway will have to be reduced to one lane between Cathedral Canyon Drive and Date Palm Drive.
Local businesses say they are excited for the new additions to downtown. While some may say it’s competition, they say it’ll bring more foot traffic in their doors.
“Having another businesses come around actually helps,” Nanfer Garcia said, the general manager of Desert Thai. “It’s never a competition thing, or who gets more who gets less. It’s just helping each other out as much as we can.”
Louie Caprizzi, the owner of Caprizzi’s agrees with Garcia and says he’s a firm believer the more business, the better – something he’s experienced benefiting his shop in Downtown Cathedral City.
“When I came here 10 years ago, this property was struggling. The whole downtown was,” Caprizzi said. “But since the casino came and now we’re getting a couple of fast food restaurants across the street…it’s been great.”
City officials are advising residents to take alternative routes if the construction will heavily impact their travel.
Stay with News Channel 3 to hear from local businesses on how the construction will impact them during the summer, and how the new center could increase business.