Construction has had a ‘big impact on business’ at Central Pizza

A major construction project taking place in front of Central Pizza for the last six months is just one negative impact the local restaurant is feeling, says owner Vito Masi.

Since January, Niagara Region has been installing new street lights at the intersection of Central Avenue and Bertie Street, causing customers to think they have been closed the whole time, he told Fort Erie Radio in an interview.

“It’s had a big impact on business,” Masi said on Wednesday.

For an entire weekend, construction equipment was parked very close and in front of the restaurant’s main entrance, he said.

He’s hopeful the project will be wrapped up soon.

“It just takes time, I guess,” he said, admitting he knows it’s a “big project.”

Several chain restaurants have recently opened locations in town, which Masi says is also playing a role in business slowing down.

“That’s hurting us, too,” he said.

“It’s an uphill battle for every restaurant in Fort Erie right now,” he added.

Over the weekend, a post on a Fort Erie-focused Facebook group suggested that people should make an effort to visit the local restaurant, which was opened in 1983 by Vito’s parents Antionette and Carmen Masi.

“The last few days have been great,” Masi said in reference to that Facebook post.

“I’ve really got to thank that guy,” he said, adding that many people who visited in the last couple of days thought the restaurant has not been open during construction.

Nick Rosati, associate director of traffic systems and operations for Niagara Region, told Fort Erie Radio that they are in the process of replacing the traffic signal as part of an annual replacement program.

“This particular unit has reached its end-of-life cycle and the infrastructure requires a full replacement including poles, signal heads and underground conduit,” he explained.

This light will also be compliant with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act when installation is complete, as it will include audible pedestrian indications and tactile pads at the pedestrian crossings.

The work is nearing “significant completion” and should be finished by the end of this month, and some minor concrete work and restoration is currently underway, said Rosati.

Sod will be installed in late summer to best avoid hot weather, he added.

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