Hillcrest's Holiday Hustle: Businesses Battle Barriers

In the heart of Hillcrest, a city project is causing a stir. Businesses along 5th Avenue are feeling the pinch as construction work disrupts their usual holiday buzz. The issue? A storm drain project that's blocking access and turning away customers. The project kicked off early this month, with fences and barriers popping up along the sidewalk and street. Business owners say they were caught off guard, with little time to prepare or warn their customers. Some have seen sales drop by half compared to last year's holiday season. Victoria Robertson, co-owner of Divo Diva Cafe, puts it bluntly. Her place is empty. The construction walls hide the store, making it hard for customers to even see it, let alone visit. It's a common story among local businesses. Hillcrest is no stranger to change. The neighborhood is in the midst of a transformation, with new homes and a redesign of Normal Street. Benjamin Nicholls, head of the Hillcrest Business Association, sees the development as a good thing. But he also understands the concerns of business owners. December is usually a busy time for restaurants, coffee shops, and beauty salons. Holiday sales help them get through the slower months ahead. But this year, the construction is taking a toll. Johnny Rivera, owner of Hash House a Go Go, feels the city could have shown more empathy.The project is part of a 2019 legal settlement to update the area's stormwater infrastructure. City spokesperson Tyler Becker explains that the work aims to address flooding concerns. But the project hit a snag when workers found old utility infrastructure and trolley tracks that needed addressing. Construction was supposed to start in late spring but was delayed. It resumed early this month and is expected to wrap up by October, with traffic barriers removed in the spring. But for business owners, the wait is taking its toll. Frustration like this isn't new. In City Heights, a long construction project along University Avenue caused similar issues. Emily Renda, head of Business for Good, believes there should be a balance. We need to grow our city, but not at the expense of small businesses. Business owners wish there had been better communication and a different approach, like phasing the project. Natashah Abrishamchian, co-owner of Beauty by Dolly, feels businesses were not a priority in the planning. She worries about the impact on local commerce. The city has spoken with the contractor about staging equipment away from businesses. But for business owners, the notice came too late. They met with city officials to ask for a delay until January. The city sympathized but ultimately moved ahead, citing potential flood risks and extra costs. In the meantime, businesses are doing what they can to stay visible. Abrishamchian spent $300 on signs to let people know her shop is still open. But with the holiday season in full swing, the construction is casting a shadow over their usual buzz.