By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Detour keeps bait shop from reeling in customers
Shop owner says Clarks Bridge road work hurts business
0614clarks1
Donna Gilder waits Friday for customers at her Clarks Bridge Road business. Gilder said she believes the DOT’s signs lead motorists to think the boat ramp at Clarks Bridge Park is closed because they only indicate Ga. 284 is closed. Gilder estimates business at her bait shop and thrift store has dropped more than 90 percent.
The live bait side of Donna Gilder’s storefront on Ga. 284/Clarks Bridge Road isn’t luring many customers these days. Cars have slowed to a trickle along normally busy Ga. 284 northbound since the Georgia Department of Transportation closed the road to through traffic between U.S. 129/Cleveland Highway in Clermont and U.S. 129/Limestone Parkway in Gainesville. Motorists still can reach the Lake Lanier Olympic Venue and Clarks Bridge Park’s boat ramps by traveling the stretch, which includes Gilder’s businesses, Donna’s Bait Shop and Treasures Within, contained in the same building.