Some downtown Fresno business owners say expensive and unpredictable parking rates coupled with massive construction projects are making it hard to stay in business.
One coffee shop owner says access roads and street parking have been blocked for four months, making customers less likely to visit. The owner of a gelateria says that while big corporations are being supported by the city, small businesses feel abandoned.
Beginning in January, construction projects spearheaded by the City of Fresno and private company Katch Environmental have shut down roads downtown. In February, the city assumed operations for downtown parking, and fees of $25 and over for special event parking followed…