Longtime neighborhood restaurant struggling because of uptown construction

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Business owners in uptown told Channel 9 Charlotte's growth is actually hurting them because of constant construction and a lack of parking.
 
Eyewitness News reporter Trish Williford spoke with one restaurant owner, who is trying to stay afloat after nearly 90 years in business.
 
Green's Lunch owner Joanna Sikiotis thought she'd see crowds but instead business has dwindled.

"The parking is a big issue because people want to come down here and there's no parking, they have to park on the side of the road," she said.
 
She said the city should build more parking decks and extend the Red Line or the trolley to make access more convenient.
 
Local leaders admit it is a problem and that she's not alone.
 
"Unfortunately as the city has grown there are a number of businesses and homes being squeezed for some reason, it is never our intent," Councilman Michael Barnes said.
 
Even though there is talk of a solution, money has their hands tied, Barnes said.
 
"The issue is structured parking is very expensive and the city's ability to fund any parking facilities is fairly limited," Barnes said.
 
Green's Lunch extended its hours trying to capture more business, doing whatever it takes to keep the doors open.

“I'm not going anywhere,” Sikiotis said. “I'm not going anywhere.”