Businesses impacted by construction speak out
There’s been a sharp increase in Texas Department of Transportaion projects in the region, and there’s likely to be more in the future. ABC 7 is looking at how one project is affecting south-central El Paso. Some businesses say construction along Alameda St. and Paisano Dr. could force them to shut their doors. Work in and around the busy intersection will continue through 2015.
One business owner ABC 7 spoke to said he was never notified and his business is on the verge of closing.
“It’s only been going on for two weeks, and you see a major hit, because we’re making $25 every other day,” said Julio Saucedo, owner of La Cruda bar and grill. “So going from maybe $300 to $400 to $25, I mean, that’s a pretty big hit.”
Saucedo runs La Cruda grill with his father in the 5000 block of Alameda St. Both men say they put their life savings into the venture. Business has come and gone with previous construction, but now Saucedo says the minimal $1,400 they’ve brought in over the past month won’t even cover their rent.
A spokesperson with TxDOT said that the construction will help the area in the long run by improving the flow of traffic with two roundabouts, ahead of the increasing demand. They also said that they are taking steps to make sure businesses aren’t unduly impacted in the meantime.
“We reinforce, for those with businesses out there, that we never close a business, ” said Blanca Del Valle, with TxDOT. “They will always have access to their business. Our project engineer is going out there and making sure that they have a sign saying ‘entrance to business.’ So we help them out as much as we can.”
Even with greater signage, Saucedo isn’t sure that his business will be able to survive. He said he feels like he needs help to make it through this problem.
“I’m hoping things get better,” Saucedo said. “I’m hoping that we’re able to pick back up, and hoping that my people that had been my regulars stay loyal to me and they come back. I try to offer the best atmosphere we can here when we have it here, but at the end of the day, you just don’t know if people are going to want to deal with this.”
ABC 7 spoke with city Rep. Emma Acosta, who represents that area. She said that there have been a number of community outreach efforts, including sending out postcards to everyone in the area before the most recent meeting last week. Acosta also said her office is looking into economic development grants and more signs to help draw attention to the affected businesses.
