San Diego surf shop files loss of income claim against city due to construction

Construction cones outside of “Bird’s Surf Shed” on West Morena Boulevard are a sore sight for co-owner “Bird” Huffman’s eyes.

“It’s been so consistent and, uh, so bothersome,” Huffman explained.

Bothersome, because they’re a constant reminder of the construction in the area, like the Pure Water Project and others that have been happening in front of his business and others in the Morena-Bay Park area for the past two years.

Especially maddening, some business owners say, is how the streets are blocked off, at times, cutting off access to stores.

“This whole area here, all the way around the corner, had ‘no parking’ signs up for six days. And they were working across the street on that side, so nobody was ever over here,” said Huffman.

Huffman says that lack of access has created a wave of missed sales for him and others.

“It’s been hard for customers to find parking, find how to get in,” said Anthony Gomez, manager at a neighboring home improvement store. “More than 25% of our sales have been lower than what we’re expecting.”

“Christmas loss of sales was kind of like the final straw,” said Huffman. “ You know, I mean, it’s been a tough couple of years.”

That’s why Huffman and his son, who co-owns the shop, have filed a $25,000 loss of income claim against the city.

However, Huffman says the losses they’ve suffered over the years due to the construction are so much more.

“It was just a statement, you know, I think, more than anything, just to kind of catch their attention,” Huffman said of the claim. 

“I know the problems the city can have, but I also know there’s solutions to those problems, and they just need to be brought out front for everybody’s benefit.”

Stores in the Morena area aren’t alone when it comes to city construction impacting business. A recent roundabout construction project in City Heights took longer than expected. Businesses there complained of lost revenue of up to 35%.

“It’s just kind of thoughtlessness. The city needs to be a bit more compassionate, and they need to understand where retailers are coming from,” said Huffman.

NBC 7 reached out to the city for comment. A spokesperson said they don’t comment on pending litigation.