KINGSVILLE, TEXAS - Bruce Harvill, owner of Harvill's Coffee Shop, says the City of Kingsville's handling of a street resurfacing project along Kleberg Avenue has hurt his business and employees because of poor communication and unexpected construction.
In a public statement, Harvill said the situation has reached a point where it is directly impacting his family's and staff's financial well-being.
According to Harvill, at the City Commission's regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, November 9, city officials invited the City Manager to provide updates on municipal projects and activities. Harvill said the City Manager did not mention that resurfacing work on Kleberg Avenue, between 7th and 8th Streets, would begin the next day.
Harvill also pointed to an earlier commitment made during an open meeting in October, when the City Manager reportedly indicated the resurfacing project would be completed before the Downtown Fall Festival on October 17. The work was not completed by that date.
Harvill said he attempted to get information about the project before construction began. On November 2, he emailed City Manager Charles L. Sosa, Mayor Sam Fugate, and Public Works Manager William A. Donnell to request an update on the resurfacing schedule, but said he received no response.
He also said he contacted City Hall seeking clarification about the project and its timeline but again received no response.
For Harvill, the issue goes beyond construction delays. He explained that his business depends on customers being able to park directly in front of the coffee shop, and restricted access can result in lost customers and revenue.
"Blocking access to my business financially harms me and every other business owner along this street," Harvill stated.
His concerns also raised questions about accountability within city leadership and who is responsible for communicating project timelines and addressing the impact on local businesses.
"Who takes responsibility in the City of Kingsville? Is it the Mayor, the City Manager, or the Commissioners?" Harvill asked in his statement.
Despite his frustration, Harvill ended his message by thanking customers and community members who stopped by the coffee shop to show their support.
He said he was prepared to close the business for the day, but customers' encouragement and compassion changed his outlook.
Harvill described those who visited as valued customers and a second family and expressed gratitude for the community's support during a difficult time.
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