San Antonio’s Construction Blues: Business Owners Demand Better Communication
San Antonio, known for its vibrant culture, delicious food, and rich history, is also becoming synonymous with construction chaos. It’s no secret that streets in this bustling city are often under renovation, causing major headaches for local business owners and their loyal customers. In fact, a recent city audit has brought to light the frustrations surrounding this ongoing issue, highlighting the urgent need for improved communication between the city and those most affected.
Business Owners Share Their Struggles
Take it from Aaron Peña, a Southtown bar owner who feels like he can’t escape from the infamous orange cones that signal construction zones. “Orange cones just follow me,” he humorously remarked, but the laughter hides a more serious reality. Peña has been dealing with construction disruptions for the past three to four years. The ongoing issues have forced him to shut down one business entirely on the lively St. Mary’s Strip and have now followed him to his other beloved establishments, Gimme Gimme and Amor Eterno.
“The consequences of that are obviously losing money, not being able to pay staff, and rent, and overhead,” Peña lamented. It’s a sentiment echoed by many in the area, as constant construction not only alienates customers but also impacts the very lifeblood of local businesses.
A Closer Look at the Audit Findings
The city’s Audit Committee conducted a thorough investigation into the communication regarding construction projects, revealing a mixed bag of results. For short-term projects, the audit described communication as “adequate” and “timely.” However, when it came to long-term projects, the findings were less than stellar. Communication was described as inconsistent, leaving many business owners in the dark about what to expect.
As the audit noted, between October 2022 and May 2024, communication methods for long-term projects varied widely, ranging from social media posts and emails to newspapers and door hangers. Unfortunately, many business owners felt these methods were lacking and did not effectively reach them during critical periods.
Business Owners Demand Action
Peña isn’t shy about expressing his discontent with the audit’s classification of short-term project communication as “adequate.” He believes that “adequate” does not do justice to the challenges that business owners face during closures. “I think adequate is the bare minimum, in their opinion,” he remarked. His frustration resonated with city council members who expressed their understanding of the need for better communication.
In response to the concerns raised, Public Works has laid out initiatives aimed at improving communication. Director Razi Hosseini acknowledged the difficulties they face in ensuring messages are properly communicated to business owners. “We need to improve communication every day, every week, every month,” he said, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
Moving Forward: What’s Next?
One key aspect of improvement involves collecting direct contact information from business owners. This way, Public Works can better coordinate and share updates throughout projects. However, some challenges still remain. For instance, in the audit, it was noted that auditors did not consult any business owners while compiling their report. This led to frustrations from council members who want to ensure that local voices are heard in the conversation.
“We just need to be involved in the conversation,” Peña stressed, echoing the sentiments of many business owners across the city. As San Antonio continues to evolve with much-needed infrastructure improvements, it seems the call for enhanced communication between the city and its business community is more important than ever.
As the city moves forward, everyone’s hoping that the next time they see a cluster of construction zones, it’s not just a series of orange cones but rather the beginning of a collaborative effort to pave smoother paths for both businesses and their customers. After all, San Antonio’s vibrancy thrives on its local businesses, and having a clear line of communication could help these establishments weather the storms of construction much more effectively.
