Clarksville ice cream shop hopes new loan will help them stay afloat despite nearby construction

CLARKSVILLE, Ind. (WDRB) -- Widow's Walk Ice Creamery was built in Clarksville, Indiana, in 1998. But a major construction project has made business slow down.

In April, the popular ice cream spot on Riverside Drive said two staggered road barriers, detours, and several yards of gravel road created a rocky start to it's peak season.

Owner Jill Dodson said sometimes they'd only make $12 in a day due to being stuck in the middle of the ongoing construction project.

"It's been a challenge," Dodson said. "It's been a really, really big challenge."

The revitalization project started in February to add new lighting, on-street parking, sidewalks and bike lanes. The construction zone stretches from the entrance of Ashland Park to the Clarksville/Jeffersonville border. Construction is expected to wrap in November.

The construction, that will eventually allow people to walk or bike along the river, has drastically stopped foot traffic during the time of year Dodson would be making the most business.

"This is my bread and butter," she said. "This is my livelihood. I'm not a youngster anymore. I can't start over anywhere, so it was scary. It was really scary, stressful, anxiety kicks up."

Usually 10,000 to 15,000 customers would walk up to her window for a treat every month. That's been cut by more than half.

This 4th of July, Dodson said she had a quarter of the sales she normally would have, resulting in a cut to her hours and to her staff.

Dodson got to the point where she was worried she'd have to close up shop altogether, but a new loan will help her stay afloat.

One Southern Indiana's ONE Fund Loan Program announced Wednesday that the ice cream shop was approved for an emergency loan to help during the construction project.

"It came just in the nick of time," Dodson said. "Head's back up above water, and we're in our peak season now so I'm hoping customers still come. You can get a loan, but that's not the end all, be all. You still need your customers to come see you."

Even still, she's staying hopeful that by next summer, when the Greenway connects Clarksville and New Albany, that she will be able to recoup the lost money and then some.

"I think it'll definitely be great,' Dodson said. "It's just a matter of getting there."

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