Detour hurting some Portage businesses

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Vehicles on Tuesday are diverted around the burned-out remains of the former Waldorf Hotel at Main Street and Caldwell Avenue in Portage. The detour has been in place since the fire on Jan. 31, and it will be at least a few more weeks until the road is open. Todd Berkey

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February 7, 2012

KATHY MELLOTT KMELLOTT@TRIBDEM.COM The Tribune-Democrat Tue Feb 07, 2012, 11:31 PM EST

PORTAGE — Craig Mazzarese’s business depends heavily on drive-by customers, but since last week fewer drive-bys have been stopping

Craig Mazz’s Pizza is located in the alley behind Matthew R. Decort Funeral Home, which is across the street from the former Waldorf Hotel, a massive brick structure that went up in flames Jan. 31.

Since the fire, which also heavily damaged two attached buildings, plenty of vehicles have taken a detour past Mazzarese’s business, but customers are hesitant to stop because of traffic congestion.

“We’re trying to be super helpful, but I’ve lost about half my business,” he said. “People are afraid to back out into the traffic.”

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