Danny Hargett took the high road when he first learned the City of Jackson would build a roundabout on North Highland Avenue that would intersect East and West Deaderick Streets.

The roundabout is roughly a nine-iron from the business Danny and his wife Meg own at 328 North Highland Avenue – Bill’s Appliance Parts & Service – and Danny admits there have been a few trying times since construction began in late 2017.

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“We’ve seen a lot go on downtown since we’ve been here, and a lot of this has been good for downtown,” Danny said. “We were glad to see the LiFT (Jackson Walk) come in, and they’ve kind of brought downtown back to life (but) they started construction on this roundabout, which has been a big traffic delay for us.

“It’s caused a lot of headaches … getting in and out of our parking lot, and It has affected business somewhat (because) customers don’t want to come downtown, right now.”

Danny said service calls is one area that has not suffered for the company founded by his father – Bill Hargett, in 1957 at 211 S. Royal Street.

Bill’s Appliance Parts & Service bases it business on servicing appliances that include washers, dryers, stoves, refrigerators, microwave ovens, trash compactors and disposals.

“We do outside service, so we go to people’s homes, so that has not affected us in any way,” Danny said. “But we sell parts over the counter, and people do not want to get down in this area.”

At least not until November, when completion of the roundabout – which is being constructed by Ford Construction Company at a cost of $1,793,899.54 – is scheduled.

“The construction has definitely hurt business a bit,” Danny said. “We haven’t been getting the in and out business we’ve had, and some people thought we’ve closed.”

(PHOTO: Danny Hargett co-owns Bill’s Appliance with his wife, Meg)
David Thomas, Twitter – @DavidThomasWNWS
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