City considers restricting access into Mexico from Imperial Avenue
The Calexico City Council is considering restricting entry into Mexico from Imperial Avenue, it’s a move businesses in the area are not in agreement with.
If Calexico City Council approves the decision, drivers will no longer be able to make a right turn on Second Street to drive into Mexico.
Drivers who choose to turn right on Second Street, will be directed to drive straight, in the direction of the Gran Plaza Outlets.
Drivers going into Mexico through downtown’s port of entry would only have one road as an option which is Cesar Chavez Boulevard.
” Caltrans and the Imperial Valley Transportation Commission recommended that the Imperial Avenue traffic be allowed to go down Imperial Avenue and make a right turn, but they would not be able to go into Mexico,” said John Renison , former Imperial County Supervisor.
It’s a recommendation the city is looking into.
If the decision passes, business along Imperial Avenue say the traffic flow will dramatically decrease, along with their business.
“In reality all the businesses here on Imperial, we’re all very worried about this,” said Roberto Neri , Fatima Casa de Cambio owner.
Neri , is a new business owner on Imperial Avenue.
He worked for Payless ShoeSource for 25 years.
After the company closed down and filed for bankruptcy, he and his wife ventured into opening a money exchange business.
Neri’s business has been successfully opened for almost two months now.
“It’s already affecting us now, a lot of the traffic is going through Cesar Chavez, and there’s already a sign on Imperial Avenue that says no access to Mexico,” said Neri .
“You know, Calexico , we are having trouble sustaining our economy, so we have to make it as easy as possible for businesses to stay in business,” said Renison .
We spoke to Calexico City Council member Morris Reisen , he says he’s not in favor of closing access to Mexico from Imperial Avenue.
Reisen says it would kill business in the downtown area.
Calexico City Council plans to hold a forum next week to hear the public’s concerns before they make a final decision.
