Sidewalk repair that started earlier this month on the south end of Ballard Avenue moved north Feb. 23 and is affecting businesses along the street, according to some business owners.

Krystle Dyksterhuis at Cugini Cafe said business had been down by 25 percent since construction started in front of the cafe, and Liz Steaning, manager at Bark, said she has seen business cut in half.

"We just try to grin and bear it," said Brad Kelly at Bark.

Giavonna Duque, owner of Duque Salon and Spa, said the construction out front of her store is killing sidewalk customers.

"See that guy walking by," she said. "He didn't even notice anything was here."

It's not only the war-zone appearance out front, but the removal of parking, which is already scarce in Ballard, caused by the sidewalk repairs that is hurting business, said Linda Arkin at Lucca.

Jill Andersen at Horseshoe is trying to see the positive side of construction, which is causing rocks and gravel to scuff up her floor.

"It's a gift that my floor is already distressed," she said. "I would be distraught if someone had just lacquered and polished it."

The gravel fits with the store's decor and it will be nice to get a new sidewalk and not have construction during the summer months, Andersen said.

Duque said she is requesting bailouts for Ballard Avenue businesses due to the construction.

"If it's good enough for Wall Street, Ballard Avenue is the Wall Street of Ballard," she said.

Failing any sort of federal bailout, Duque said she at least wants to host a party for businesses to celebrate the end of the sidewalk repairs.

Construction is expected to last until mid-March.