Street Closure in Kemah, Texas Hits Local Businesses, Sparks Lawsuit

Last updated Oct 10, 2024

Kemah Business Struggles due to Street Closure | Financial Impact

Financial Impact on Kemah Businesses Amidst Two-month Road Closure

6th Street in Kemah, Texas, has been inaccessible for drivers for the previous two months. This closure has been a cause for concern among local businesses, who fear financial losses.

Challenges for Kemah’s Lighthouse District Restaurants

The usual bustling lunchtime scenes at restaurants in Kemah’s Lighthouse District have taken a quiet turn. Bakkhus Taverna’s general manager, Lance Cumpian, reports that their sales have hit a low, dropping by 50%.

Kemah’s Blocked-off Street Impacts Restaurant Businesses

Restaurant managers share that the business downfall has continued for the past two months since the street was blocked. “There’s no vehicle access. I’ve had employees leave because of it,” says Cumpian.

Lawsuit against the City

Several businesses have filed a lawsuit against the city, attributing the road shutdown to the city’s street projects plan. Their attorney, Brian Kilpatrick, is representing them. “By putting a pavilion and other obstructions in the street, that is not allowed for any city to do. Especially not a general law city like Kemah. To do anything like this, you’d have to get the property owner’s consent,” asserts Kilpatrick.

City’s Response and the Current Situation

The lawsuit further alleges that the city proceeded without all property owners’ consent. Eyewitness News reached out to the city, which responded: “We are unable to comment on any ongoing lawsuits at this time, as the matter is currently under legal review.” The business owners are eager to return to normalcy.

Temporary Relief and Increased Sales

A district judge recently issued a temporary restraining order that allowed the reopening of the street. This led to increased business for VooDoo Hut, another participant in the lawsuit. However, the temporary restraining order has now been rescinded, and the bollards are back up. Kilpatrick has filed a motion to reinstate it as the legal tussle continues.

Stay updated with the latest on this issue by following Mo Haider on Facebook, X, and Instagram.