Houston businessman Kent Edwards is taking legal action against the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) over a decade-long roadwork project that has severely impacted his business. Edwards, who has operated his luxury car restoration shop on Hempstead Road since the mid ’80s, has seen a significant decline in customers and revenue due to the prolonged construction delays.
Despite facing challenges in operating his business, Edwards is unable to sell or rent his property and has been forced to file a lawsuit seeking compensation for lost profits and damages. The ongoing roadwork has not only affected his business but has also led to financial implications for the state, with TxDOT incurring significant costs to address delays on road construction projects.
While TxDOT has the authority to charge contractors for delays, a report by KHOU revealed that the state often reverses these charges, essentially negating any financial consequences for the contractors. This practice has raised concerns among advocacy groups like Public Citizen, who stress the importance of holding contractors accountable to prevent future delays.
TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams emphasized the agency’s commitment to ensuring accountability among contractors, citing instances where delays were attributed to factors like inclement weather. However, Edwards believes that small business owners like himself are not being treated fairly in these situations and calls for more transparency and accountability in the handling of roadwork projects.
As the legal battle continues, Edwards and other affected business owners are seeking support and solutions to mitigate the negative impacts of prolonged roadwork on their livelihoods.
The San Antonio City Council has allocated $1.4 million to assist businesses located in construction zones with their advertising and operational expenses, both during and after the construction period. The Small Business Anti-Displacement Network offers tools and resources to support small businesses nationwide, including guidance on accessing tax credits and incentives, as well as information on protecting commercial tenants. Small business owners are encouraged to engage with local community organizations and business development councils for assistance and to collaborate on promoting their businesses during construction activities.
