The city acknowledged that only one business along 5th Avenue between Indian School and Goldwater was given a heads-up about a month-long construction project.
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — A business owner in Old Town Scottsdale says a construction project is costing him and his neighboring businesses at a time when many are already hurting.
The project is on 5th Avenue and Indian School Road, but the road closure extends all the way east to Goldwater Boulevard. It’s a water line improvement project associated with a new condo development. The city issued permits for the project, but the owner of Best Life Nutrition says he and his neighbors were not given a warning that it was happening.
“All of a sudden, we were down about 75 percent, and we could not figure out what was going on,” said Cory Pilger, the owner of Best Life Nutrition.
On a 118-degree day in the Valley like Wednesday, Best Life Nutrition on Goldwater near 5th Avenue is typically buzzing. It’s known for its healthy protein smoothies and natural energy drinks. But Pilger said that due to the construction project around the corner, which has effectively eliminated nearly all of the parking for him and many other businesses, it’s quiet.
“Signage was put up that didn’t allow customers to come in. They were turning around, calling us, figured we were closed, and just stopped coming by,” Pilger said.
He was stunned when he saw the road closure signs put up on 5th Avenue, so he reached out to the City of Scottsdale.
A zoning administrator responded to his emails on Wednesday, saying the construction project that started on June 23 will last until July 23 at least, noting, “timing is subject to change as there could be unforeseen challenges that arise.”
The closure is 24 hours per day.
The city also acknowledged that after checking with the contractor, only one business was given a heads-up, which “is not consistent with city expectations.”
“I mean, when your income is cut 75% and you’ve got a family and all that relying on you and worrying about now if you can pay the rent, it hits pretty hard,” Pilger said.
Pilger said the signage placed at the end of 5th Avenue near his business is confusing. It says the road is closed and offers a detour, noting that local traffic only is allowed.
In response to Pilger’s emails, the city said it now plans to create additional signage that clearly states that businesses are open during construction.
The zoning administrator said they will also send notifications to all businesses in the area, work with city communications officials to spread the word to the community about businesses being open, and inspect the site to ensure dust control measures are followed.
Pilger does not think that is enough given his losses.
“I mean, I appreciate it, but it’s almost too little, too late, because, I mean, when you’re losing over $1,000 a day, to put it in perspective here, or something along those lines, how do you make that up?” Pilger said. “I’m not just sitting here begging for money from the city or anything like that. That sounds ridiculous, but some sort of help to kind of get back on our feet. And again, we’re not the only ones. We’re far from the only ones.”
As the construction work continues on, he hopes community support for him and his neighbors will too.
“Come see us. Come support your small local business in the area,” Pilger said. “We’re definitely open. All the businesses on the street are open. We’re just obviously being impacted by what’s going on.”
You can follow Best Life Nutrition on social media to check in for updates as they continue to navigate this challenge.
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