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As the tenants and project leaders noted a long, difficult road to the grand opening of the Bernard W. Brown Community Center this week, a neighboring business is also lauding the start of the "New North Side" of Frederick.

As construction dust settles in the 10,900 square-foot building at 629 N. Market St., the owners of Café 611, at 611 N. Market St., say they have felt the effects of the near 18 months of construction and experienced their share of hardships as the city prepped for the center's Tuesday grand opening.

"We see the light, and we see our new neighbors coming in," cafe owner Randy Jones said on Tuesday. "It's a better day today."

The restaurant, which opened in Frederick in March 2007, has experienced leaks, clogged heating and air vents, structure damage and setbacks as a result of the community center construction, Jones said.

From 2007 to 2008, sales revenue decreased by $108,000, Jones said, and he had to lay off eight employees, and cut his breakfast and lunch hours because of noise and dust.

"If you're selling steaks and hamburgers for a living, it really compromises your bottom line," Jones said. "You couldn't ask someone to work in that environment, and you definitely can't ask people to dine in that environment."

Kevin Lollar, director of development for Frederick's Housing Authority, acknowledged that the construction had been rough for merchants and tenants near 6th and Market streets, but said that Jones informed him that part of the reason he moved to North Market Street was because of the HOPE VI community center and homes.

"Construction for the entire community was really tough for everybody along 6th Street — it was major construction in the heart of the city," Lollar said. "But, Randy has always been supportive to us. He's a great neighbor, and we'll continue to try to be a good neighbor to him."

Jones said he is in the process of devising a marketing plan to get back his loyal customers and set new dining hours. The restaurant and banquet hall is currently operating from 3 to 10 p.m., Tuesdays through Saturdays.

"The new North Side is up and running and we're ready to be a part of it," he said.

E-mail Erica L. Green at egreen@gazette.net.