Four Corners Businesses Feel Out Of The Loop

The Super 7 bypass was intended to lighten congestion along the northern half of Federal Road (route 202) in Brookfield, specifically at Four Corners, the intersection of 202 and route 25.  But even the best intentions have unintended consequences – as the businesses around Four Corners are feeling the effects.

"The consensus is it's not good for business," according to Mindy Patel, owner of the Subway sandwich shop. "People use to come here," she reminisced, "Every gas station was full in the morning – it's not a happening place anymore.  Brookfield didn't want any traffic, well good job, there's no traffic now."

"The road was busy, especially in the evening, in the morning too, but especially after 2" p.m., according to Peter, manager of the Shell Station on Four Corners.  Everyone expected sales to drop with the completion of Super 7, including Peter, who wouldn't have been surprised if business slowed down 50 percent.  That dire expectation cushioned the blow when sales dropped 25 percent in the first few months.  Peter attributed the less-than-anticipated decline to the decrease in traffic.  "When it was really busy, people didn't want to stop here, they wanted to just keep moving," he said, "But now it's easier to get in or get out.  It's good right now."

Juan, the manager at the Mobil Station on the opposite corner, had the opposite analysis.  Juan estimated a 40 percent loss in revenues, however he argued that the congestion was good for business.  "When there was a traffic jam, they stopped," he explained, "They get a cup of coffee, gas, spend their money.  Now it's only local customers."

George Newman, owner and manager of Four Corners Gulf across the street, has seen business fall off, however he doesn't "know if the verdict is in yet on that," blaming the economy as much as the bypass for the slow-down.  Newman, whose business relies more on the repair garage than gasoline sales, hasn't seen any decrease in foot traffic and, in fact, the lighter vehicle traffic "makes it easier, faster to get gas here than it was before," resulting in roughly the same number of people coming through.

Patel agreed that it may be "too early to say" whether the downturn can entirely be blamed on the bypass.  Besides the economy, "the weather hasn't helped," she said, noting that January's receipts were comparable to last year.

Businesses that rely more on Brookfield residents, like Mother Earth Gallery and Best Buy Discount Tires, are happy with the bypass.  "If anything, it's better," Kevin Retallick, owner of Discount Tires, said, "People who are coming by can get in and out without all that traffic." 

"Things haven't changed much, but we're more of a destination," the young man working the counter at Mother Earth agreed, "It's really affecting the gas stations more."

"The local people [alone] can't support four gas stations," Juan from the Mobil Station stated.  Bill McCutchan of Superior BP across the street agreed, though he was confident that his station, in combination with the repair garage, would survive.  He projected a 15 percent loss in gasoline sales, however business in the garage has been steady.

While destination shops are benefiting, others are reeling now that Four Corners itself isn't a destination.  One possible remedy would be to turn Four Corners into a special Business District, a proposal currently being discussed in Town Hall.  The goal would be to draw shoppers back to route 202.  "There's no signs," a customer at Subway remarked, "When someone comes up Super 7 low on gas, they wouldn't even know this was here."

"We don't get as much traffic, people are forgetting about us," Sam, the owner of Italianos of Brookfield, agreed, though he added that business has "been pretty consistent" and the lighter traffic is "easier for our driver."

"Our local customers are loyal customers," Amelia Soderquist, owner of Whisconier Florist and Fine Gifts, concurred, however a Business District would pull the area together and incentivize businesses to stay.  Soderquist has adjusted to the bypass and the economy by offering more wallet-friendly options.  "It's not that people don't spend, they just spend differently," Soderquist's friend and consultant Kami offered, the trick to surviving is adapting.

Shops that have closed are remaining vacant all around Four Corners – and those who are still around are struggling to survive.  Rose Ricardo, manager at the Dunkin Donuts, said business is down 40 to 50 percent, "There's nobody here anymore," since the bypass was completed.  The donut shop is trying to get approval to put in a drive-thru window in the hopes it will boost sales.

"They're thinking of doing some investment over here," Juan said in reference to the proposed special district, "but you never know when that will come."  For now, they wait and try to stay afloat.