Owners of local businesses in Bryan are expressing concern over disruptions caused by the South College Avenue Reconstruction Project, which has affected local trade for over a year. Some owners report that the continuous turmoil has resulted in significant financial loss with some businesses showing a 40% decrease in sales due to reduced access caused by construction activities. They have criticized the city’s communication approach on construction updates and requests more transparency.
Despite these struggles, city officials are highlighting the long-term benefits of the project. They anticipate that the renovated avenue will provide a significant boost to local commerce upon completion in July 2025.
In response to the challenging conditions, the local chamber of commerce has rallied to support affected businesses. They intend to launch a “Support Local” campaign to encourage residents to patronize these affected businesses, offsetting some of the financial losses caused by the construction. However, many business owners remain skeptical about the timeline and call on the city to speed up the completion of the project.
Victor Lucio, the owner of Vortex Studios, is one of the affected business owners.
Bryan businesses grappling with construction impacts
To compensate for these losses, he plans to host two fundraising events while making improvements to his studio. He remains optimistic about the future. Another business owner, Dawna Adams, cites additional expenses due to the project and a disrupted business environment due to noise and dust from the construction site as significant issues.
In response to concerns, Sam Vernon, the Assistant City Engineer, assures that the paving work will be completed swiftly. Justifying the $16 million project, he emphasized the drainage improvement and safety upgrades despite its challenging components and inevitable disruption to daily life. He maintains that the city is doing everything possible to finish the project efficiently.
Furthermore, the City of Bryan is urging dissatisfied property owners to utilize resources for support and guidance, encouraging more open communication. The City has committed to providing comprehensive assistance to affected businesses, emphasizing its commitment to good governance during the challenging period.
