FORT WORTH, Texas – Nearly a month after the explosion at the Sandman Hotel in Downtown Fort Worth, local businesses are feeling the impact of ongoing cleanup and construction in the area. For Cowtown Segway Adventures, a business that relies heavily on foot traffic, the aftermath of the explosion has been detrimental to their operations. Owner Tim Ballard stated that foot traffic has significantly decreased since the explosion, with a drop of 30 to 45 percent in customers.
The explosion, which resulted in 21 injuries, not only caused extensive damage to the hotel but also affected neighboring businesses. The closure of West 8th Street and the presence of construction crews have made it difficult for businesses in the area to attract customers. Ballard revealed that they are considering joining a lawsuit, along with other businesses in the vicinity, to hold responsible parties accountable for the impact on their livelihoods.
Alex Adewunmi, an attorney at O’Hanlon, Demerath & Castillo Attorneys And Counselors At Law, mentioned that their law firm is contemplating a lawsuit on behalf of their firm and other affected businesses. They are considering naming Northland Properties, the owner of the Sandman Hotel, and Atmos Energy in the potential lawsuit. The decision to file the lawsuit may come within the next week.
The ongoing struggles of businesses in the area reflect the lasting effects of the explosion, not only on the physical infrastructure but also on the local economy. As the cleanup and construction continue, businesses like Cowtown Segway Adventures are left navigating the challenges of a significant decrease in foot traffic and customer engagement.
The aftermath of the explosion serves as a reminder of the broader impact of such incidents, highlighting the interconnectedness of businesses in a local area and the need for accountability in the face of unforeseen events. As the community works towards recovery, the resilience and determination of local business owners in overcoming these challenges becomes increasingly evident.