Austin Fan Fest concerns businesses

AUSTIN (KXAN) - In four weeks, Downtown Austin will be transformed into a mega party, with Austin Fan Fest all part of the Formula One race weekend.

Many business in the area have voiced concerns about streets closures and how it could hurt business.

While there's expected to be huge crowds, some businesses are worried how they'll deal with the whole festival's logistics.

"Were we properly informed? Is the timing tight? Were we involved to begin with? No, we were told this is what's going on, never asked what do you think?  That's why the business owners were upset, " explained David Tripoli of TruLuck's Restaurant.

The city said they mailed out letters about the event and street closures late August.

"They said they mailed out thousands but not one single business owner in that room received that letter, " Tripoli said.

The event would close down Fourth Street and Third Street along with Congress Avenue and Colorado Street between four and six days, that is what businesses are worried about.

Ray Risley, general manager of Sullivans Steakhouse, said his No. 1 concern is his employees being able to make those tips and pay check, so many rely on.

"It's not something that will affect my company in the large scale but one thing it will affect is the employees, that's the biggest thing it will hurt our kids, " said Risley.

Circuit of The Americas event planners sat down Tuesday with business owners to hash out any issues. After several hours, an understanding was achieved.

"Everyone was able to have a voice in it and they're going to do some hard work on it, " Tripoli said.

One of the big concerns for restaurants and bars was being able to get their deliveries.

"For those who can't,  we do have emergency load in areas that we're getting out to them, " said Paul Thorton of COTA.

Valet was another concern and COTA said they will bag meters in a three-block radius to help with valet parking.

"Austin Fan Fest" runs Nov. 16 - 18, the same days as the races at the track east of Austin.