Businesses in the area expect to see more customers since the street has reopened.

On July 3 the city of Sparks announced Victorian Avenue would be closed in an effort to increase foot traffic and make it easier for the city to host events like 4th of July and Hot August Nights. 

On Monday, the city announced they reopened the street much earlier than the community anticipated, and many of the local businesses in Victorian Square talked to us about the effect the closures had. 

Cindy Pisiewski, the Owner of O'Ski's Pub and Grill, tells us that many issues arose due to the closure.

Those things include parking trouble, ride share not being able to drop off or pick up, and delivery services not being able to access the businesses. 

"We have no parking down here anymore," she said. "And now you've closed the streets and there's even less parking. All those spots down there are gone."

She tells us that the closures made it tough for businesses right on Victorian Avenue, as the foot-traffic the city had hoped to produce still needed ways to arrive to the Square. 

Business owner Nick Meyer, Co-Owner of Great Basin Brewing Company, talked about his appreciation for the city trying something new, but also hearing out the community. 

"I applaud the city for, you know, giving something a shot, because you never know until you try," he said. "And I also applaud them for pivoting and listening to their constituents and making the change when it wasn't working."

Both business owners are hopeful that the re-openings will bring business, as well as allow neighbors in the area to possibly drop by their establishments. 

With more events on the horizon, customers and visitors can now drive through and park all along Victorian Avenue and its parking lots.