Rubén Fernández, owner of Bar Cristal, and Pilar Carbonell, one of the three partners of +Natural, represent the only Mallorcan establishments and they are very concerned about the work, which is expected to last a year.
Carbonell says that "when it comes to work by public authorities, it is known when it starts but not when it will end". "This work may mean that we have to leave Plaça Espanya after 19 years here. Two months without billing means having to close the restaurant."
The first phase, renewal of the drainage system, starts today (Sunday). Businesses will have to remove their terraces for one month per location. This, added to the dust that will be generated and that will coincide with the strongest season for many - the main months for Bar Cristal are now and after the summer - "it will mean losses of 50%". Fernández says that he will have to lay off staff, as "the costs will remain the same".
These two businesses, which are not franchises, unlike others, are appealing for institutional aid as they will be the most affected. The town hall has promised to study the possibility of financial aid, but at the moment nothing is clear.
Carbonell adds: "We are not saying that the work isn't necessary, but with the dust that will be generated and the difficulty of access, customers will go elsewhere."
2 comments
To be able to write a comment, you have to be registered and logged in
There's are percentage of people here (usually old conservative people) that are never happy. They complain that an area is a mess, then complain when the council refurbishes the area, then complain when the work is finished. The council is right to ignore these dinosaurs. Look at Calle Blanquerna and Calle Nuredduna. Notice how all the whingers have gone very quiet now they can see how much better these streets are!
It's a high traffic area, with or without construction. I'd question whether the impact will be severe, and frankly, in the end, it will make it even more desirable. I would think (hope) the contractors would be directed to provide safe, clean passage to the businesses in the area. If not, then yes, businesses should be compensated.