SEATTLE — Some South Seattle business owners say they are fed up with road construction, and a plan to improve a sidewalk is costing them thousands of dollars.
- Sidewalk project in Rainier Beach neighborhood blocking driveways
- Road work keeping customers away
- Auto repair shop losing $10,000 a week
- Central District businesses dealing with similar issue
The construction on Rainier Avenue South in Seattle's Rainier Beach neighborhood started in November.
Despite signs saying that businesses are open, the road work is keeping customers away.
Construction barrels blocking one lane of traffic have been in place for weeks, and the work to reconstruct the sidewalk has blocked entrances to businesses.
Berhane Gebreberhane, the owner of Royal Auto Repair and Sales, is upset. He was told his driveway would be closed for a week.
A week and a half later, there are still several days of work to be done before his driveway will be accessible.
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Gebreberhane said because his main entrance is closed, tow trucks can't bring cars to his shop to be repaired and a side driveway is too small for trucks.
Gebreberhane said the lack of business cost him $10,000 last week alone, and with little to no business since the construction began a few months ago, his bills are piling up.
"That means, by next month, I have to close. I have no money,” said Gebreberhane. "I don't need money in my pocket. At least if they can give me (money) to pay my rent and pay my electricity, I'd be happy."
Reporter Jeff Dubois called the Seattle Department of Transportation and was told the city does not reimburse business owners for lost revenue because of construction projects.
SDOT said workers are trying to get the project done as fast as they can, but it's taking longer because of the rainy weather.
A city official said the result of the project -- an improved sidewalk and entrances -- will benefit businesses in the long run.
But a restaurant down the street said their business has been down, too, and they can't wait for the project to be finished.
Central District businesses have been complaining about a similar problem for some time.
Shop owners near 23rd Avenue told city representatives at a meeting last month that major construction has brought their businesses down.
Crews are working to replace a 100-year-old water main. The project is blocking access to their parking lots.
"When you make it a labyrinth for customers to get to your door, they simply go someplace else,” said one business owner.
A representative with Seattle Councilwoman Kshama Sawant's office who was at the meeting said she will look into what options are available for businesses.
Cox Media Group
