Rocky Hill Businesses Avoid Hurricane’s Devastation

Hurricane Irene was mostly merciful to Rocky Hill businesses with minimal actual damage to local stores. However, several businesses were still without power Monday afternoon. 

A single ceiling panel in  was ruined by water damage. Julie, owner of The Root System, a botanical store and service, reported sticks and leaves being strewn across the grounds of her business, obviously deposited there by the gusts from the hurricane. 

But, apart from such minor instances, local businesses were largely spared from the hurricane’s assault. Workers like Holly LaBoie, a receptionist at the , expressed thankfulness that Rocky Hill avoided the destruction that Irene wreaked in other parts of the state.

“We have seven stores and we’re the only one who didn’t get hit at all. We’re the only one open today.” 

On the Silas Deane Highway, commercial blackouts were common. Over half of the businesses that line the Silas Deane Highway did not open Monday. 

Town Line Avenue was hit especially hard with business blackouts. Only had the power to open its doors to customers. 

on Town Line Road was open Sunday afternoon. They could not sell refrigerated items and only the self checkout lanes were being operated Sunday. A security guard was placed outside the store to help customers. 

Some local businessmen and women exhibited an additional sense of perseverance by opening their businesses, even while they still lacked power. , , and were among those vendors that braved the dark in order to open as scheduled and accommodate their customers.

And certain businesses who managed to keep their electricity on even remained open during the hurricane. The restaurant maintained its listed hours all weekend. Questioned why the restaurant did not close due to the threat posed by Irene, Bruce of New China was resolute. 

“We’re open seven days a week.”