Street closure project disagreement
A project meant to help Calexico is actually upsetting business owners in the area as it has closed off a street they say is vital to them.
CALEXICO.Calif.(KECY.KYMA)- The city of calexico says the "Rockwood avenue promenade" project is the first pedestrian-friendly commercial space in the valley.
The city plans to paint a mural and put up benches But it has already closed Rockwood avenue and 2nd street in downtown Calexico just across the border.
Business owners and merchants say this closure is affecting their sales.
They also say the city failed to notify them about the street closure.
Some are also concerned it will increase homelessness and remove much needed parking spaces.
“This is bringing our businesses down a lot... I think it’s a problem that affects all of us not just me... all the businesses from the second street.. To be honest they are going to have a decrease in their businesses... this is going to provoke us to close not just me but everyone," Rosy Alcanan, a business owner.
After my interview with urena, a business owner did not hesitate to tell him what she thought.
The city of Calexico says it's working on a plan to help with parking and traffic in that area.
“The council is aware that this kind of project does take away parking so we are looking at financing opportunities so we can create some kind of parking structure never by vicinity to address those issue because hopefully this will not only block that is closed we do want a entire pedestrian place downtown Calexico, " said Raul Ureña, city council member.
