Rio Del Mar restaurant and bar owners take it on the chin- Rio Del Mar homes unaffected

We sometimes forget that public works projects are for the public good. Too often I think Americans think the government is someone else. When I pay taxes, I realize that not all of what I support or need to draw upon is what my money is going for. I realize that I am the government and that if I wish to change something I need to speak up.

For the past several months Rio Del Mar homes have been made difficult to access. Santa Cruz County has given the job of upgrading the sewer lines to an independent contractor. Rio Del Mar home and business owners have had to deal with the noise and dirt and construction equiptment parked in the most prime of spots at Rio Del Mar beach.

Not only has this been and inconvenience to business and locals, but it takes a toll on both, more so business. I think this article sums up the frustration that government does not take into account the actual cost of construction. Rio Del Mar beach is a favorite haunt for many. For years people have enjoyed coming down to eat at Cafe Rio or to have a beer at the Sea Breeze Tavern, and they have been stymied by all the construction. I know I have been in a situation before and the government response to private business losing their livelihood is poorly addressed. It is one thing to know something is going to occur, but if your customers are unable to park to get to your business or made to wait, they will go elsewhere. What would you think is appropriate compensation to a business owner in the above situation? I know as a Rio Del Mar home owner and realtor that it can be handled better. This is not a presonal damnation of the contractor, but more a reflection of a problem that seems to be handled poorly by many governments.

The area in front of the Seabreeze Tavern- building on the left is where all the construction equiptment was stored. Very little there was available for parking for the businesses.