There is no question how tough it is to rebuild communities. Downtowns are struggling in some of our villages and in the city of Dunkirk. Foot traffic is missing, especially in the winter months.

That’s troubling for businesses — and some cannot maintain as the area’s population and consumer sentiment moves to online. We don’t know all the details, but Silver Creek’s loss of a downtown shop is certainly disappointing.

A Facebook post from a since-deleted account last week noted that “Dave’s Outlet is permanently closed effective immediately.” Despite the opening filled fanfare two years ago — and a fairly ideal location on Route 20 — it did not work out.

Many had been hopeful since the store took the former Petri location, which provided hundreds of jobs until about 10 years ago. Today, however, the investment and effort for the operation was not worth it.

Some downtowns in the area are rebounding. Westfield is a prime example and we have noted the recent efforts to fill storefronts in Fredonia.

While it is no consolation, downtowns across upstate have their problems — even in the state capital. Finding momentum, such as Westfield, is important. But that takes time — and includes more than finding storefronts.

It also takes community involvement. All our entities could use more of that.