LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) – A Laredo business owner is voicing his frustration with the challenges he faces in downtown.

Eduardo Medina, the owner of the On the Rocks Tavern in Downtown Laredo, received a citation for installing a gate on his property, which he claims was necessary to secure his business.

Since then, he has been trying to speak to the Historic Committee to express his concerns; however, due to a lack of quorum, he has been unable to do so for the past three meetings.

Last month, KGNS reported on a committee discussing ways to improve Downtown Laredo. The topic sparked many concerns from residents, including Medina, on our social media pages regarding the current state of downtown.

He mentioned that businesses in downtown are facing challenges due to criminal activity and city restrictions on property improvements.

The people we spoke to are urging the city to relax these restrictions and assist current owners in keeping their businesses open.

“They are not supposed to charge the owners and the businesses that they have. I think they need to get more money to sell more and get more business to run,” said Luz Maria Alcala, a Laredoan who supports downtown businesses.

In a separate article, Medina discusses his plans to address his concerns with the committee.

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