Small businesses in San Diego’s Hillcrest neighborhood say an ongoing city construction project is putting severe pressure on their operations during one of the most important times of the year, with some owners estimating revenue losses of up to 60%.
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The construction, which spans an entire block along Fifth Avenue, has removed parking access and limited visibility for nearby storefronts, leaving business owners frustrated and concerned about long-term impacts. Salon owner Dolly Bakshai said the lack of notice and access has driven customers away and disrupted daily operations.
“So nobody can come to the salon. We do not have a parking place. My employees are late. My clients are not coming because they cannot find parking at all. It's absolutely unacceptable,” Bakshai said.
Other business owners echoed similar concerns. Victoria Robertson described the project’s barricades as a physical and visual barrier that makes it difficult for customers to even realize businesses remain open.
“Unfortunately it's sort of a slap in the face against all the hard work we're trying to do to build something beautiful for this community, and then the city says, Hey, I'm going to put two fences and a K rail in front of you so nobody can even see that your business is accessible as they drive by,” Robertson said.
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City officials said residents and businesses were notified when the project began in April and explained that the work addresses long-standing flooding complaints in the area.
“This project looks to address a common concern in this area about flooding, which residents and businesses have complained to the city about,” the statement read.
The city also warned that “any delay could increase the risk of flooding during the upcoming rainy season.”
Construction was paused earlier in the year before restarting in December and is expected to continue through spring 2026. For business owners like Bakshai, the timing could not be worse, especially during the holiday season when sales typically peak.
“I think at least 50 to 60%. I have to pay my employees. Forget ourselves we can do without right now, which is not fair, but my employees, my rent, the parking, this is, this is going to kill us,” Bakshai said.
Despite the city’s assurances, Hillcrest business owners say clearer communication and mitigation efforts are urgently needed to help small businesses survive the disruption.
Originally reported by Jane Kim in 10 News.
