To Whom it May Concern, During the entirety of the downtown sidewalk project, I have tried to trust that it would get completed on time, professionally, and with a little bit of concern for the loss of income and detrimental effect it has had on business owners in mind. Today, I have lost all patience and I need answers from someone who knows what is going on. I tried calling Eric but was unable to reach him. I then called Alex Agnor and she answered as always and said she would see what she could find out, I appreciate the effort that she gives to help. She is the only one who does. I had to close my store today (again), because customers could not safely access it at all. They are forming up for concrete, which is wonderful. However, last we were told there would be a notice to all business owners at least a week in advance for us to properly prepare closing for the two days it takes to pour and cure. I got a call around lunch from someone that is opening a store on the corner and they were told (by the workers) they would get concrete tomorrow. I had left for the day, but turned around to go ask Karl or anyone working if I was also getting concrete tomorrow. Considering I had not heard that, and that would mean I would need to close tomorrow and Thursday. Upon arriving downtown, I find Karl and ask him if concrete was getting poured in front of my store tomorrow, he told me no, they are doing that Friday. To which I proceed to tell him I cannot be closed on a Friday or Saturday, especially without proper notice to plan for that. Fridays and Saturdays are what are keeping me in business currently. I cannot reiterate enough that this has been so hard for my business to keep the doors open as my sales are down exponentially. I simply cannot lose a Friday or Saturday even one time a month and continue to make it. As I was walking away from Karl, he told me “don’t get your pantyhose in a wad”. This statement was inappropriate, rude, and absolutely uncalled for. This project has been mismanaged from the start. I understand how construction goes and I know we have to be flexible but it has gone on too long with no updates, many sunny days of street closures with no work, the signs the city had made stating we are open pushed over on the ground and not stood back up and much more. There needs to be some checks and balances with the city and the project needs to be managed and completed as if time is of the essence…because it is to business owners like me who are barely hanging on. The city employees, Casey Slone Construction, and even Karl all get a paycheck no matter if this project is completed or not. I have not been able to get a paycheck since the project started. Ask yourself how long you could go on like that? Maybe someone in charge could push for a conclusion or at the very least try to keep business owners informed. As another building owner stated in a previous email, what good is a pretty sidewalk if you put us all out of business before it is finished? Best Regards, Raigan Golladay Davis 310A North Washington Avenue Marshall, Texas 75670 903.578.2100 From: Eric Powell Sent: Friday, April 5, 2024 11:10 AM To: Alex Agnor ; Anna Lane ; Audrey B (audreybsboutique@gmail.com) ; Blackbird Bath ; Chip ; Debbie Parker ; dscottcarlile1372@gmail.com ; Edward Allen ; Elmer Vargas ; Gwen Volk ; Jackie ; Jeanette Krohn ; Karen Bickerdike ; Lacy Burson ; Larry Watts ; Marcel Avelar ; Maria - 1st Choice Personnel ; paige@gfapartners.com ; Raigan Golladay ; Raven Lenz (BlackBirdLLC@gmail.com) ; Reta Williams ; Steven O'Bryan Subject: Weekly Update Good day everyone and welcome to another Friday update on the Streetscape Project on N Washington. While there was more positive work happening this week we did hit a snag mid-week due to the fittings for the stormwater piping not being delivered when expected. The crews did return on Thursday to continue backfilling the stormwater pipe on the west side and opening up some pathways to the g g y storefronts. The same crew also began tieing in the roof drains and should have the complete early next week. As far as the look ahead for next week this is what might occur: · Crew will complete all tie ins of roof drains and setting the junction box in the northwest corner and complete backfilling · Electrical conduit will be continued on the east side · Sidewalk crew will begin pouring sidewalk sections starting a the northeast corner at Burleson and move south As always I think you for your continued patience with this project and I will do everything I can to address all concerns. As far as next week’s update I may not provide one as I will be at a water\wastewater conference in Ft. Worth. Please don’t hesitate to send me an email with any concern’s or questions you have. Eric G. Powell, PE Director of Public Works & Utilities City Engineer 903-935-4489 City of Marshall PO Box 698 Marshall, TX 75671