Businesses of uptown Hillsboro negatively impacted by pedestrian improvement project

To the editor: 

This letter was originally shared during the Hillsboro City Council meeting on July 17. I’m now sharing it with the public because these concerns affect all of us who care about the future of uptown Hillsboro.

To the Hillsboro City Council,

Being a small business owner is not for the faint of heart. It starts with a dream – a vision fueled by passion and grit. That dream grows into long days, late nights, and countless sacrifices. Time with family and friends is often exchanged for hours behind a counter, in a workshop, or at a desk, all in the hope of building something meaningful. Something that not only supports a household financially, but brings pride and purpose to a community.

But even the hardest work, the deepest dedication, and the most relentless optimism can only take a business so far. Small businesses need support. Not just from customers – but from the city they call home.

Over the past two months, the businesses of uptown Hillsboro have been significantly impacted by the pedestrian improvement project. While we understand the long-term intent is to enhance the area, the short-term consequences have been severe:

* Parking has been dramatically reduced or eliminated, with no immediate action taken to create alternative parking options.

* Businesses have been forced to close for days unexpectedly, resulting in direct financial losses.

* Vital signage, paid for and installed by owners to reflect their current business identity, has been covered – again, without notice.

* Customers, unsure where they can or cannot park, have chosen to stay away.

* Confusion, frustration, and discouragement have grown – not just for customers, but for the very people working every day to keep Uptown alive.

Business owners have done their best to spin these challenges into something positive. They’ve smiled while fielding complaints they agree with. They’ve encouraged customers to keep coming back, despite dwindling foot traffic. But the truth is: passion and perseverance alone are no longer enough.

Now that this phase of the project appears to be complete, it’s time to ask the important questions:

How do we bring people back uptown to shop, eat, and support local?

What can the city do to help small businesses recover from the disruption?

How can we work together – city leaders and business owners – to ensure uptown Hillsboro not only survives, but thrives?

Because without small businesses – without the dreamers, the doers, and the risk-takers – there is no historic uptown. And if we don’t act now, we risk losing the very character and culture that make Hillsboro special.

We are not asking for a handout. We are asking for partnership. For open communication. For shared responsibility in preserving and promoting the heart of our city.

So my question to you is this: What can you do to help?

How can we work together – hand in hand – to protect what we’ve built and keep Hillsboro’s uptown district vibrant and full of life?

Let’s start the conversation. Let’s move forward – together.

With respect and determination,
Heather Hughes
Owner, Twisted Violet Homestead