Neighbors help with construction work on Cesar E. Chavez Avenue

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) – This week marks the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month – a month celebrating the strength and unity of the Hispanic community.

Along Cesar E. Chavez Avenue, unity is in full swing: neighbors are helping each other cope with a road construction project that has negatively impacted business.

Their wallets may be hurting, but their hearts are full because the community is doing everything it can to help them get through the crisis.

“This is the worst summer for us in 35 years,” said Ivette Reyes, owner of M&M Bakery.

Businesses on Cesar E. Chavez Street struggle with construction work

“We don’t want this construction to ruin (the business),” said Gilma De Lacruz, chef and co-owner of the Rincon Criollo restaurant.

For seven months, business owners along Cesar E. Chavez Street, from Clyde Park to Hall Street, had to live with dust, dirt, noise, construction equipment, business closures and some days without water, gas or customers.

It was a struggle to stay open.

“Honestly, we have our credit cards and personal loans here that allow us to keep our doors open,” De Lacruz said.

To save money, Reyes turns off some lights in the M&M Bakery.

“The customer says, ‘Why so dark?’ I say, ‘The construction site,'” Reyes said.

She founded her company 35 years ago.

“Oh my God, this is my life, this is my life,” she said.

Her son, Joshua Reyes, is a co-owner and will one day inherit the business. He is amazed at how his mother maintains this positive attitude.

“Her resilience is unparalleled and she has demonstrated her faith and trust in the Lord throughout it all,” Joshua Reyes said.

Across the street, in Rincon Criollo, it’s a similar story.

“We were just trying to survive here because we are very grateful to have this business that my mother started almost 10 years ago,” said De Lacruz.

She is proud to be in this neighborhood.

“It’s one of the largest Hispanic business corridors,” De Lacruz said.

She said that for the people in this neighborhood, it is more than just business.

“It’s not just about food, cakes or maybe just customer service on the street. We’re talking about culture, we’re talking about heritage,” De Lacruz said.

Reyes said a number of businesses, community members, police and the Southwest Business Association have pledged their assistance.

“That day I cried because two ladies came and gave me $200 and put $200 on my counter,” Ivette Reyes said.

Without the additional help, “we could not be open. We are grateful to everyone,” said De Lacruz.

The city told business owners the $7.5 million project would be completed in mid-August. However, it was not finished by mid-September. The city now expects it to be completed in early October.

While this is disappointing for business owners, at least they know that relief is on the way.

“We feel like a big family here on Cesar Chavez Avenue and we welcome everyone into our corridor with wide open arms,” said De Lacruz.

“We hope it will be light soon,” said Ivette Reyes.

According to the business owners, a ceremonial opening of the construction work is planned.

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