Business sales hurt by water line extension
Funded by WEDCO, project brings city services to new Taco Bell/KFC on Richmond Road
By BENJAMIN C. SHARP bensharp@journal-spectator.com

Staff Photo by Benjamin Sharp Richmond Road has been reduced to one lane in front of McDonald's and Dairy Queen due to a water line extension project.

A week ago Wednesday, Wharton's Dairy Queen brought in more than $1,200 in sales. This past Wednesday? Just over $600.

Manager Lawson "Smitty" Smith blames the orange cones now lining Richmond Road. The cones have entirely blocked off traffic approaching from the south.

That means cars can no longer turn left into the business.

Cars exiting Dairy Queen are also hindered, prevented by the cones from turning back to the left and heading north on the well traveled roadway.

The reduced traffic has had a significant impact on his business, Smith believes.

"They cut us in half on our sales yesterday," he said Friday.

The cones were set out Thursday morning as part of a water line project.

Under the auspices of Matula & Matula of Lake Jackson, the project entails extending water service to the soon to be opened Taco Bell/Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant.

It's a $30,000 project that's being funded by the Wharton Economic Development Corp.

Smith said he understands the need for the extension - he just doesn't appreciate the detrimental effects on his own business.

He shared his concerns this week with city officials, the Texas Department of Transportation and even state legislators.

City Manager Andres Garza Jr. empathizes with Smith, saying it was not the intention of the city or the contractor to hurt any of the area merchants.

Bringing in new business, though, often means "there's going to be some inconveniences," Garza said.

"That's progress."

This particular project has been made more difficult by the fact the city's water line runs beneath the middle of Richmond Road, Garza said.

That's required the contractor to dig out a large hole in the center of the road.

Traffic must be rerouted around that hole according to TxDOT guidelines, Garza said.

Some advanced notice would have helped, Smith contends.

"They didn't give anybody any warning."

Garza said contractors are normally required to notify businesses or residences that may be affected by such a project. Such requirements are stated in pre-construction conferences, he said.

"That apparently didn't happen here," Garza said, adding he will look into the matter further.

Meanwhile, Smith and other Richmond Road owners and operators will have to continue to make due - but perhaps not for too much longer.

Garza said the bulk of the project is expected to be completed by early next week.

"Probably by Monday they're hoping to be able to get it back to normal," he said.