This time the town did not close off Santa Cruz Avenue, and pedestrians still had access to the sidewalk.

"Everybody was very happy. The merchants were very complimentary," said Tom Theobald, the project manager overseeing the street improvements.

Though some of the merchants most affected by the work that took place the week of May 19­23 said they understand the need to repair the streets, they also expressed a desire for the town to work on the streets in the fall instead of the springtime.

"I like what they're doing, I just think the time of year should change," said Vita Sport owner James Laden. People are most likely to walk around downtown and shop during warm weather, he said.

Laden, who saw a 25 percent drop in sales two weeks ago, said a couple of customers told him over the weekend that they had attempted to come by on a weekday, saw that no parking was available in front of the store and left instead. Trucks belonging to construction workers had taken up all the parking spaces, he said.

Natural Expressions co-owner Cicek Erk said business was slower that day, but people started dropping by in the afternoon, when there was less traffic. "It wasn't as bad as we'd expected," she said.

Pat Ramirez, owner of Lisa's Tea Treasures, said she saw about a 50 percent drop in foot traffic but feels the inconvenience is well worth the improved look.

"It's going to be very lovely in the long run," she said. "The good part was they didn't work on weekends," when her store receives the most business, she said.

According to Theobald, the town worked on installing storm drains May 19­23, and workers who were ahead of schedule started putting new planters on the street. Meanwhile, the work last week was performed by the San Jose Water Company and involved relocating a fire hydrant in front of Los Gatos Cafe.

The town is scheduled to work on the section of Santa Cruz Avenue in front of Pedro's Cabo Grill and parts of Royce Street next.