AUSTIN, Texas — Capital Metro (CapMetro) is adding more MetroRapid stations for electric buses to Austin neighborhoods. But local business owners in East Austin say construction in their area is harming their clientele.
Alexandra Smith and Gabriel Tavera own Yoga East Austin on Berkman Drive. They said the construction in front of their studio has forced street closures and has led to less parking and fewer people coming to class.
"A lot of students are running super late, and it just seems like it's causing a little bit of stress for the normal students. And then we've noticed a decline in newer students coming in," Smith said.
Officials with CapMetro said a short part of the road from Tom Miller Street to McCurdy Street is temporarily closed to traffic, along with eight parking spots. But they mentioned there is extra street parking around the block.
Construction started on April 10 and is expected to be finished by the end of next week, according to CapMetro.
Smith and Tavera said they weren't given much of a heads-up on a timeline and feel the public transit agency should compensate them for the troubles they have faced.
"Timing was the unfortunate part of it," Tavera said.
"It just seems sort of unfair that they can just close things down for however long they feel like and have assumed that it will have no consequence to us," Smith said. "I'm sure there's a lot of other small businesses in the same position, and we were just hoping to get some help."
A spokesperson for CapMetro said crews are following a "City-approved traffic plan." Officials added that CapMetro does not offer financial compensation during temporary construction.
"We remain committed to better connecting our community and appreciate patience during the construction phases. However, we do not financially compensate businesses for temporary construction, though crews are working as efficiently as possible to finish the project," the agency said. "Once this station is complete, customers will be provided with even better access to local businesses in the area."
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