Waterbury, Vermont - A lot has changed in Waterbury since Irene hit nearly six months ago.
Most stores have come back to life.
But not the state office complex, it's still closed, meaning 1,500 state workers are no longer there.
That's hurting many businesses that rely on them, including Arvad's Grill & Pub.
"We've made a profit every year since we've been in business since 1989 and I have a feeling this year this might be the 1st we didn't," said Arvad's Grill & Pub co-owner Jeffrey Larkin.
Last month we showed you the progress workers have made inside.
To help convince lawmakers to return, a number of Waterbury business owners met with state lawmakers Tuesday.
Some leaders say they're in no rush to make a decision.
"We hate to have businesses suffer but on the other hand it's going to be a couple years anyway's I suspect before we're back there, even if we make a decision to rehab some of those buildings," said State Senator Richard Mazza.
Some fear if lawmakers don't make a decision soon you're going to see more of these types of signs in the near future.
"People will hang on as long as they can but until we have a true answer it's hard to hang on," said Larkin.
Even if owners like Larkin get that answer, it may not be one they like, if lawmakers decide to move to a new community.
"It would be devastating," said Larkin.
And a move that Larkin fears would ruin the area for years to come.
Lawmakers are waiting for a report next month that will outline future prospects for a state office complex.
That is expected to be in their hands next month.
