Hillcrest Sales Decline: Infrastructure Project Impact | NBC 7 San Diego

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Construction along 5th Avenue in Hillcrest is impacting local businesses during the holiday season.

Hillcrest Businesses Feel the Pinch as Storm Drain Project Continues

Holiday sales are down for some Hillcrest businesses due to ongoing infrastructure work,with owners reporting significant parking challenges for customers.

• A $7 million storm drain upgrade project began in April 2025.
• Business owners report a 50% drop in weekend revenue.
• The project is expected to continue through October 2026.
• The work is required to address long-standing flooding concerns in the area.

Hillcrest businesses are bracing for a perhaps bleak holiday season as construction on a major infrastructure project continues to disrupt foot traffic and parking. The ongoing work is significantly impacting revenue, particularly on weekends, according to local business owners.

Did you know? – Hillcrest is a vibrant neighborhood known for its LGBTQ+ community and diverse array of restaurants and shops. The area relies heavily on weekend foot traffic.

Parking Woes Drive Customers Away

“Honestly, this construction has been affecting our business a tremendous amount,” said Aria Tabaei. “Customers have no parking on weekends, on our busiest days. You know,people are just doing laps and laps looking for parking and it’s affected our business a lot because people end up just leaving.”

What is causing the disruption to Hillcrest businesses? A $7 million public works project, the 5th and Brookes Storm Drain Upgrade, began in April 2025. The project aims to address recurring flooding issues that residents and businesses have previously reported to the city.

Tabaei explained that the loss of parking is particularly damaging during peak brunch hours. “Our busiest days are the weekends, and we’ve seen our revenue go to half because of this, all because of this construction, because people want to come to brunch. They don’t want to just spend an hour looking for parking,” she said.

Project Details and Timeline

The project focuses on upgrading storm drains along 5th Avenue between Pennsylvania and Brookes avenues in the Uptown community. According to a city spokesperson, Nicole Darling, the improvements are being made as part of a legal settlement agreement related to properties near 5th and Brookes.

City officials anticipate the current traffic control plan on 5th Avenue will be removed in the spring of 2026, but the overall project is slated for completion in October 2026, pending any delays caused by inclement weather or unforeseen issues.

The 5th and Brookes Storm Drain Upgrade project is a significant investment in the Uptown community’s infrastructure, aiming to mitigate long-term flooding risks.

Pro tip – check local business websites or social media for updates on parking availability and potential discounts during the construction period. Supporting businesses during this time is crucial.

The $7 million project, initiated in April 2025, was prompted by a legal settlement concerning properties surrounding the 5th and Brookes intersection.Recurring flooding had long been a concern for residents and business owners, leading to the agreement requiring the city to upgrade the storm drain infrastructure. Nicole Darling, a city spokesperson, confirmed the project’s scope includes replacing aging pipes and increasing drainage capacity along 5th Avenue between Pennsylvania and Brookes avenues. The work is being conducted to prevent future flooding and protect property.The current traffic control measures are expected to remain in place until spring 2026, with full project completion anticipated by October 2026, contingent on weather conditions and unforeseen complications. Business owners, like Aria tabaei, report a significant decline in revenue

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