SAN ANTONIO — On Monday, businesses and properties on the Northeast side were blocked by construction. A pavement preservation project closed both lanes of Holbrook Road between Eisenhauer Road and Rittiman Road.
The owner of Victoria’s Black Swan Inn is fed up.
“We only have one way in and out for emergency ingress or egress, and it’s Holbrook Road,” said Jo Rivera. “So, when they do that, we are stranded.”
For more than 30 years, Rivera has run the 1860’s inn. It’s the historic site of the Battle of Salado, but the inn is also known worldwide for its ghostly sightings.
“I came in from an appointment around 9 a.m. this morning and there was a small sign that said, ‘Fresh Oil,’ although there was no oil,” said Rivera. “Before I knew it, there were crews from a construction company putting oil down and closing off the road. I talked to one of the foremen and he said the road would be open at least one direction. I called my kids, but by the time they got here, [the crews] had closed both ends of the road.”
Rivera says events and weddings make up the bulk of her business.
“As soon as I knew this was happening, I tried to start canceling appointments, canceling deliveries,” Rivera said.
In a statement, a spokesperson for the City of San Antonio’s Public Works Department said flyers were delivered door-to-door last week to all properties within the project footprint.
“We didn’t get a flyer,” said Rivera. “I was out there all day today in the sun looking like, ‘Is there a flyer they somehow stuck in the gate? Did they stick it behind the mailbox?’”
According to Rivera, it’s not the only time city construction has cost her. She says a SAWS project, that led to sewage spills, nearly bankrupted her business back in 2019.
By 4 p.m. on Monday, Holbrook Road had reopened to one lane.
“I’ve been on Holbrook Road for over 30 years; they all know how to reach me,” said Rivera. “I try to be involved, but the city doesn’t communicate.”
According to Public Works, a Capital Project Officer was assigned to the case and is working with impacted property owners to address their concerns.
We’re told the paving project should be wrapped up by Thursday. In the meantime, Rivera says she’s contacting customers and moving appointments.
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