Rathdrum’s Main Street is experiencing growing pains after downtown revitalization projects got underway earlier this month.

“The construction has definitely had a negative impact on our business,” said Dave Walsh, owner of Nadine’s Mexican Kitchen.

A walkway lined with caution tape marks the entrance to the popular eatery as crews replace and refurbish the sidewalks between Mill Street and West McCartney Street.

"Phase A" of the $500,000 project, funded by an Idaho Department of Commerce grant, also called for the removal of the trees that had lined Main Street.

City Administrator Leon Duce previously told KREM 2 News the roots of the trees had pushed up sidewalk panels and become “trip hazards.”

The city will be working on plans to replace the trees with new ones in above-ground planter boxes following a City Council discussion earlier this week.

“The trees will have to come in the upcoming year because they are not included in our current budget,” Duce added.

New streetlights adorned with hanging plants are also part of the beautification plan.

The project has additionally triggered parking restrictions along Main Street, which Hot Pot Ramen House owner Lisa Maxwell believes has led to “hesitation” toward dining downtown.

“Navigating downtown traffic is already difficult,” Maxwell said. “Our sales are reflecting that.”

Plans to increase parking availability downtown are in "Phase Two" of the project, which involves paving the gravel lot next to the old jail.

"Phase Three" will impact Main Street between West McCartney and Coeur d’Alene streets and involve similar work as in Phase One.

To minimize the extent of disruption to downtown businesses, a stipulation in the city’s contract with contractor LaRiviere Inc. requires each phase to be completed within 30 days.

The city also conducted a survey of community members and downtown businesses.

“We feel the city has communicated very well and is doing the best they can in an unfortunate situation,” Walsh said.

The project comes at a time when some residents are voicing concerns over the city’s growth. Rathdrum's population, about 13,000, has nearly doubled since 2010.

"No one is taking into consideration that we have one middle school, one high school, one grocery store,” said resident Brigitte Brazda. “We can't handle all this growth.”

Even so, the community has a way of coming together.

“Luckily, we have very loyal guests that are willing to make the trek,” Walsh said. “During COVID and other deterrents, they have always been there.”

Though having opened just this year, Hot Pot has similarly been supported by a base of regular customers.

“We’re blessed in that way,” Maxwell said.  

    Crews are in the process of replacing and refurbishing sidewalks along Rathdrum's Main Street, part of the city's revitalization project.
  

    Nadine's Mexican Kitchen is temporarily fronted by construction and no parking signs as crews work to replace and refurbish the sidewalks along Main Street in Rathdrum.
  

    The trees that once lined Rathdrum's Main Street will eventually be replaced by above-ground planters.