VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WVEC) -- The widening of Witchduck Road caused a problem for a couple of businesses near Cleveland St.
Price's Transmission and Virginia Beach Feed And Seed. Both companies were leasing and the Price family decided to make a move for ownership in order to survive.
"We bought it under threat that it could be condemned and it was a huge gamble. But if you don't own property rights when it comes to eminent domain you have a different set of rules to play by," said Curtis Price.
Because 11,000 square feet were being taken away from Price's, they had to inform Harry Gutelius at Virginia Beach Feed And Seed that he had to go. Since Curtis Price was four-years-old he has known Harry, who's spent 55 years on his spot.
"The hardest thing I've ever had to do, besides losing my brother, was go over there and tell Harry he had to go," added Price.
Harry understands and plans to regroup. He is 74 and has had a long run for 55 years. He says he will take away from his time on Witchduck and give it to his wonderful customers who continued to support him even during other road problems.
"All the roadwork that's gone on all through the whole 55 years, they still came in. I'll never forget them," concluded Gutelius.
