What does construction season and The Boardwalk have in common? The busiest times for both are usually in the summer.

That being said, it was upsetting to hear the merchants at the city facility taking a hit this year due to fewer parking spaces and work on the City Pier improvements. “Warm, rainy weather isn’t a big thing, but when it’s cold, people don’t come out. So between that and the parking, it’s been tough,” said Bob Rodriguez, Water’s Edge Gifts owner stated. “Parking is crucial for us.”

One of the few silver linings for these merchants is the fact the pier work is ahead of schedule. Once completed, that may bring additional traffic.

Until then, the city or merchants may be better off posting alternate parking sites, such as the lot at Washington Avenue or the lot by the old marina to the west.