Business is rapidly declining for an auto repair shop in northwest Houston, as the owner attributes the downturn to years of ongoing construction projects by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) around their premises.
Kent Edwards, the owner of Motorcars Limited, established the business specializing in servicing European cars approximately 52 years ago. The shop has been situated on Hempstead Road near Washington Avenue since the mid-1980s, chosen for its central location within Houston for easy accessibility to customers citywide.
However, the ease of access began to deteriorate in 2018 when TxDOT initiated construction on the south side of Hempstead Road. Matters worsened in February 2023 when road excavations disrupted access to the shop’s parking lot, obstructing it with concrete barriers.
Now, customers must navigate a detour looping around Katy Road and through the parking lot of the adjacent TxDOT maintenance facility to reach Motorcars Limited. Edwards expressed frustration that this complicated route has discouraged customers and caused missed shipments from delivery companies.
“We’ve had customers break down and start crying when we’re trying to guide them over the phone. It’s hard to see. It’s hard to navigate. It’s hard to come and go in safely,” Edwards lamented.
Despite efforts to seek clarity on the completion timeline of the construction project, Edwards claims he has not received a definitive schedule and has observed no construction activity for a year. He expressed disappointment that potential buyers have shown no interest in purchasing the business due to the ongoing disruption.
“My retirement, my business of 53 years, is going down the tube, and no one is helping me resolve this problem,” Edwards voiced his frustration.
Responding to the concerns, a TxDOT spokesperson stated that they have maintained communication with Edwards and coordinated construction activities with him. They emphasized providing access to affected properties during construction, including Motorcars Limited, by widening the driveway and installing advance signs to guide customers and delivery trucks.
As per the current schedule provided by the contractor, James Construction Groups, the construction is anticipated to conclude by August 2024, contingent upon weather conditions.
