By CLAYTON PARK

Gary's Games & Hobbies, at 8539 Greenwood Ave. N., remains open for business -- it just looks like it's closed due to a half-finished sidewalk construction project that has been stalled for nearly a month now.

Gary's Games owner Gary Teachout said the problem stems from his soon-to-be new landlords, who began ripping up the old sidewalk in front of the building with intentions of repaving it. The delay was caused when construction workers discovered tree roots beneath the surface that they are not allowed by law to cut. A call to the City arborist resulted in his coming out to inspect the site, three days later. "He looks at it and leaves," says Teachout. "Two days later, city workers clipped the roots."

But that wasn't the end of it. When the construction crew tore up the other half of the sidewalk, they discovered more roots, resulting in a repeat of the afore-mentioned scenario and another week-long delay.

When the workers finally got the go-ahead to begin pouring concrete, they had to once again halt work due to the torrential rains that have been deluging the area for more than a week now.

"It's getting to be a bit of an annoyance," says Gary's Games employee Brian Adams, staring out at the fenced off hole in the ground with the sign that appears to surround the shop. Despite appearances to the contrary, a narrow path does exist for customers intent on visiting the store.

Maybe Gary's Games can turn the situation into an opportunity for a little fun by daring customers to find their way into the shop, like a game.