JAMESVILLE -- Nature lovers weren't the only ones who took the news hard that state parks in New York would be closing.
Business owners near parks who depend on traffic coming in and out of parks were also affected.
But with Governor David Paterson saying an agreement to keep parks open is imminent starting Memorial Day weekend, those businesses are feeling much better.
Chip's Deli is located a mile away from Clark Reservation in Jamesville.
Owner Belal Mosleh says 15%-20% of his business comes from Clark Reservation. He says park-goers and rangers frequently stop at his store and they cater weddings and other events at the park.
"We have a lot of people, they travel along 173 East to go to Clark Reservation," Mosleh says. "They usually get something to eat over here. We cater over there sometimes to around 60 to 100 people."
With news that the park could re-open by Memorial Day weekend, businesses say the timing couldn't be any better.
Mary Chappell owns the Sweet Endings Bakeshop in Jamesville. She says,
"We are hoping to bring in more people because of the holiday, people going to the parks, and our community has a big parade on Saturday. So we try to gear it towards those people who are visiting."
The bill to re-open the parks is currently in the state Senate. They are expected to continue discussing it Friday.
