To the editor:
To the City of Athens,
I am writing to express my strong frustration and deep concern regarding the ongoing road construction project on Richland Avenue.
The current setup has resulted in a devastating 40% drop in revenue for businesses along Richland Avenue, including Taco John’s, Wendy’s, and McDonald’s. As the owner of Taco John’s, this drastic loss in traffic has directly forced three of our employees to quit, as we no longer have the business volume to maintain their hours.
The lack of advance notice and communication from the city has made managing this crisis nearly impossible. We were given zero advance warning about the road closure until the week construction actually began. Furthermore, hearing city representatives refer to this hardship as a “minor inconvenience” is completely unacceptable to the local business owners and workers who are bearing the financial burden.
The timing of this project is particularly damaging. Executing a major road blockade right as thousands of students and families are moving into Athens creates a terrible first impression. Incoming students are left with the impression that our businesses are closed or nonexistent, driving them elsewhere during what should be one of our busiest times of the year.
Compounding the problem, official city communications are explicitly telling the public, “Motorists are asked to avoid the area.” Actively directing community members and visitors away from our corridor is directly harming our ability to operate.
A 40% drop in revenue, lost jobs, and official advisories directing traffic away from open doors during peak move-in week is not a minor inconvenience—it is a critical business crisis.
We request immediate action from the city, including updated public messaging and clear detour signage stating that Richland Avenue businesses remain open and accessible, as well as direct support for the local establishments impacted by this project.
Sincerely,
Adam Lewis, PhD
Owner, Taco John’s (Richland Ave)