COSTA MESA : Road Work Delayed to Benefit Merchants

A Caltrans project to repair Newport Boulevard this summer was delayed after downtown merchants asked the city to help them recover lost business caused by construction on the Costa Mesa Freeway.

The California Department of Transportation agreed to delay the $1-million street-repair project until next January to give the merchants time to stabilize their businesses, said Bill Morris, public services director for Costa Mesa.

Merchants formed an association three weeks ago to lobby the city and state about relaxing construction schedules that have adversely affected business. Some business owners report a 50% drop in sales because of the extension of the Costa Mesa Freeway to 19th Street.

“We’ve made tremendous progress in three weeks,” said Newport Boulevard merchant Randy J. Garell. “The city is listening; they’re responsive.”

There was some concern that Caltrans might have to begin the project in the summer because it must award the money for the project by the end of the fiscal year on June 30 or risk losing the funds.

Morris said, however, that the contract will specify that the work not begin until next year.

“That way, we can help out the businesses by delaying the start of construction,” Morris said. “Hats off to Caltrans for looking at what I consider creative ways to handle this.”

In a meeting Thursday, merchants asked City Manager Allan L. Roeder to consider relaxing the current sign ordinances so businesses can hang larger banners during the construction. They also asked that construction take place at night.

Garell said the merchants are planning an advertising campaign from now until Christmas to enhance their sales. They intend to raise $2,000 for each month of advertising, which will include print and broadcast ads, and hope the city will provide some matching funds for the campaign.