Concerns over improvement project

TYLER — Businesses and community members in the Downtown Tyler area are speaking out on how the city’s improvement project is affecting day-to-day operations. A project aimed at revitalizing downtown is now creating real challenges for some business owners in the heart of Tyler, according to our news partner KETK.

J. Witcher, general manager at Rick’s on the Square, says it’s been a months-long uphill battle getting customers through the door. “I would say the main complaint is parking; they just don’t know where to go,” Witcher said. “People just are faced with a variety of choices in Tyler; coming downtown right now poses different challenges.”

Witcher supports a better downtown, but right now, the cost is hitting hard as the restaurants and bars that have been open for more than 30 years are feeling the strain.

“The small, now real-time decisions between now and probably two years from now are real and impactful,” Witcher said.

According to the City of Tyler, the $280 million project will completely redesign the downtown square.

“I’m sorry that we’ve inconvenienced people, but when people have all these huge patios to serve their patrons, they’re getting it for free,” Mayor Tyler Don Warren said.

To ease the strain, the city says free parking is available at two downtown garages.

The Mayor is asking for patience from business owners, drivers, and visitors, and says to trust the process. “The traffic study was done, and it was done by professionals, and the people that sit there and say I cannot believe you’re doing this, I cant’s believe you’re doing that, i want to see your seal that says you’re an engineer.”

The project is expected to wrap up in early 2028 but until then, progress is underway, but not without a price.

“We are struggling a little bit down here and we could use your support,” Witcher said.