Washed out roads, closures and detours are impacting businesses along the famed Tunnel of Trees, and a GoFundMe campaign has been started to help cover lost income for some.
The staff of Trillium Woods coffee shop, 811 S. Lake Shore Drive, became stranded after intense rainfall on Monday, June 29 washed out sections of M-119 both north and south of the business, leaving it inaccessible to customers and forcing it to close. Trillium Woods owners Mary Grace Moriarty and Phillip Allore have not determined when, or if, the business can safely reopen, according to social media posts.
The latest damage compounded problems that had already plagued the scenic roadway following spring flooding in April. Washouts from the June storm have further complicated repair efforts. Some sections of M-119 sustained significant damage requiring extensive engineering solutions. Several detours remain in place.
The newest flooding proved especially devastating for Trillium Woods, and the immediate concern has become its seasonal employees. Many Trillium Woods staff depend on the busy summer months for a significant portion of their annual income.
“Our team counted on this seasonal work for their income, and this unexpected disaster has left them without the remainder of their summer wages,” GoFundMe organizers wrote on the fundraiser’s page. “Every dollar raised through this GoFundMe will go directly toward helping our team bridge this difficult time as they make plans for what’s next.”
Moriarty and Allore could not be reached for direct comments.
As of Monday, July 13, the campaign had raised more than $12,000 of its $15,000 goal.
Those wishing to support Trillium Woods can contribute or share a link to the fundraiser at gofundme.com/f/support-the-trillium-woods-team-during-m119-road-washouts.
This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Road damage leaves Tunnel of Trees coffee shop inaccessible, forcing closure
Reporting by M. Alan Scott, The Petoskey News-Review / The Petoskey News-Review
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By M. Alan Scott, The Petoskey News-Review | USA TODAY Network
