Revitalization vs reality for Hudson merchants

The face of downtown Hudson will soon change when the town installs its first municipal sewage system.

If the changes are for the best or the worst depends on whom you talk to.

Some businesses say all is well, while others have closed for good.

The latest, Livres Acorn Books, shut its doors last month.

Owner Karen Franklin says factors including a strengthened Canadian dollar, price competition from box-stores and a shift in shopping habits lead to the closure.

Stressing that she is doing fine personally, Franklin hopes her training – she has a masters in library and information studies from McGill University – will soon land her back in a literary setting.

Meanwhile the sewage project is expected to pave the way for a new medical centre, an upscale senior’s complex, as well as an off-island palliative care centre that is slated to open in Hudson in the next few years.

The municipality also plans to refurbish town owned waterfront property. Le Nichoir Bird Rehabilitation Sanctuary is in talks with the town to open a world-class education and refuge centre on their waterfront land.

When asked what it takes to successfully run a business in Hudson, Linda May said good service and a little homework.

May’s Studio has been going strong for 46 years. May, who took over from her father, says the business has seen many changes over the years. May believes businesses that research the local market can survive in town, and though she admits that it may be a challenge to work during the sewage network installation she says she’s ready to roll with the punches.