Maryssa Huntsman voiced her frustration with the Shelbyville Common Council Monday morning about a perceived lack of communication surrounding the downtown redevelopment project.

Huntsman, owner of Munchies at 39 Public Square, says her business is struggling with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and simultaneous construction project in downtown Shelbyville.

She detailed at least five occasions where access to the restaurant, both the front door on the Public Square and the rear access door that leads into the bar area, have been blocked.

“The frustration and everything we are feeling … communication would have solved that,” she told the common council. “There has been a lot of disconnect.”

The massive redevelopment project is altering the traffic pattern through the downtown area and that has caused headaches for all businesses located within and around the Public Square.

Huntsman has publicly stated her support of the project but does not believe the city, the project management company (Genesis Property Development) or the construction company (Beaty Construction) have communicated when there will be issues affecting the restaurant, now just over one year old.

“I can’t get excuses on letterhead and pay my light bills,” said Huntsman. “I have huge business losses at no fault of my own.”

Power was cut in October to the quadrant of the square that houses both Munchies and Cadillac Jack’s. Huntsman shared the disappointment of not having  Christmas decorations visible in her quadrant while the other three quadrants were well lit. She believes it gave the look that the restaurant was closed.

“It was dark,” said Huntsman, who feels that has added to the business frustrations.

Mayor Tom DeBaun said work is close to completion in front of Munchies and discussed with the council setting up a meeting with officials from Genesis and Beaty to improve communication and not limit business production.

“We are trying to work with (the project) but feel like we are getting a lot of resistance,” said Huntsman.