...tries to explain to the TV news media the negative impact of sandbags still in downtown Parkville. The sandbags remain even long after the flood waters have receded from city streets.

Although there are signs everywhere to announce otherwise, many non residents look at the decaying sandbag wall as an indication that local Parkville businesses are no longer open. So those businesses are suffering.
Strong of heart and soul, Parkville has never been "closed". Visitors now need to return.