NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — The owner of Big Al's Deli said a Google Fiber construction project outside his restaurant has dragged on for six weeks — far longer than the four days he was originally told — and has cost him an estimated $15,000.
Alphonso Anderson, owner of Big Al's Deli on 4th Avenue North, said the ongoing work has blocked customer parking and at times forced him to close his doors.
"The cones have been here for at least 6 weeks or more and then they'll change the dates on them randomly," Anderson explained.
Anderson said the lack of communication from Google has made the situation worse.
"All I want is to be respected. If you have to shut the street down, let us know," he said.
The disruption has left him with few options for customers trying to reach his business.
"All the neighbors are parked in this side, which I don't blame them because they're doing work on their side of the street. Also, on the side streets trucks and other neighbors are parked. How is someone supposed to come here?" Anderson said.
Anderson said he has had to turn customers away. He thinks Google should take responsibility and make affected businesses whole.
"If you run into a problem, talk to that business. 'Are we hurting you? How bad are we hurting you? We would like to compensate you.' I'm not here to blame anyone besides the company responsible for this, and that's Google," Anderson said.
Mayor Freddie O'Connell says he has spoken directly with Anderson and believes private companies must be held to a higher standard when working in public spaces.
"We do have to hold private vendors like Google Fiber accountable when they are disrupting public rights of way," Mayor O'Connell said.
A Google Fiber spokesperson told me construction began August 3rd. The company said delays were caused by several factors, including the need to update utility locates, unexpected concrete found beneath the asphalt, and issues with parked vehicles that stalled progress. Google Fiber expects to complete the work by the end of next week.
In a statement, Google Fiber said it has taken steps to reduce the impact on the neighborhood, including coordinating with Nashville Department of Transportation inspectors, engaging an off-duty officer for traffic control, and closing only one side of the street at a time.
The company said door hangers with a construction hotline number were distributed to the area on July 27. Business owners can call Google Fiber's 24/7 construction hotline at 1-877-454-6959 or visit gfiber.com/support for assistance.
For now, Anderson said he is taking things one day at a time.
"One day at a time, that's all I can take it, one day at a time," Anderson said.
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