Essex Jct. business owner says city not sticking to construction agreement

ESSEX JUNCTION, Vt. (WCAX) - An Essex Junction business owner is upset with work on the city’s Crescent Connector project that he says is using part of his property and will have a long-term impact on his business.

Construction fills Route 15 in front of Bushey Auto Repair in Essex Junction.

“This is my shop. It’s been in the family for 50 years,” said Ron Bushey, the shop’s owner. He says he’s been aware of the Crescent Connector and agreed to turn over some of his land to the city. “Supposed to bring us more business.”

But he says the work he agreed upon is not the work that is happening. “Right here, they are putting the traffic light pole in, right in the middle of my gas entrance,” Bushey said.

He says the traffic light will hinder gas deliveries and that changes were made to the construction plan without his knowledge or consent. “I didn’t agree to any of this. I have the original plans,” Bushey said.

“From the city’s perspective, what we are doing over there is all within agreements that have been agreed to by the city and Mr. Bushey,” said Essex Jct. City Manager Regina Mahony.

She says they are trying to work with Bushey and that other businesses are impacted, too. She says the project will bring benefits to everyone in the city by improving traffic flow through the downtown.”It does provide an alternative through the center of Five Corners,” Mahony said.

The project is expected to be finished in the fall. Until then, Bushey says he’s frustrated. “A mess. A mess and loss of business,” he said.

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