DALLAS – A road project in University Park is stirring up trouble for local businesses. As construction shuts down part of Lovers Lane, parking spots are becoming scarce. Business owners are worried about losing customers and revenue during this time.
The city is making upgrades to the area, which they believe will make it nicer and safer in the long run. However, many small businesses on Lovers Lane, near the Dallas North Tollway, feel the immediate impact of rerouted traffic through their parking lots. This construction is part of a larger project that received approval in 2019 and includes storm drainage and water main installations.
The first two phases of this project could last around three months. For the business owners, this means navigating crowded lots and limited parking, worrying about their futures.
Ruby Huyen, owner of Mila Nail Salon, has created a peaceful environment for her clients. But she’s frustrated. “This is really not going to work for us because we’re so new. This is going to kill us,” she said. Huyen fears that the disruptions will turn potential customers away.
Simon Kuonen, who runs Party Bazaar, highlighted safety concerns. “Traffic is racing through a parking lot at street speeds while people are trying to get in and out of their cars,” he explained. This scenario puts everyone at risk.
Across the street, Christy Freddo, owner of Facelogic Spa, noted a reduction in parking spaces, which has made it hard for her clients. “People call and say, ‘Cancel my appointment; I can’t find a spot,'” she said, explaining how these issues are affecting her business.
In response, a city spokesperson emphasized their efforts to limit disruptions. They are exploring alternative parking options and working with nearby property owners to find solutions. Current additional parking is available about half a mile away, but that’s a challenge for customers.
Local residents are asking the city to provide a shuttle or make nearby unused parking lots accessible to customers. They want a more effective solution as the construction continues.
Interestingly, a recent survey showed that 57% of local business owners feel that city construction projects negatively affect their sales. This reflects a growing concern among small businesses during urban development initiatives. While the city aims for long-term improvements, the immediate struggles of these business owners remind us of the personal impacts development can have.
The city claims the construction is ahead of schedule and is making adjustments to minimize disruptions. But as the project progresses, the hope is that businesses can weather this storm.
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