The Business Interview Questionnaire provided an opportunity for business owners to offer program recommendations by answering the following questions:
Question 10: If you could design a better program, what changes would you make? Question 11: What additional services could the displacing agency offer to lessen the impact of business displacements? The following is a sampling of repetitive comments heard from displacees across the nation.
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The agency should pay for all code required improvements in a separate, uncapped category.
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When businesses are forced to relocate by an agency, they should not incur any out-of-pocket expenses.
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Relocation agents should have more training so they are better equipped to deal with questions in the field.
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Buildings should be demolished immediately after the business has relocated. (This comment was made by a business owner who relocated to the remainder of the property. Her former building sat in front of her new business for thirteen months unoccupied and it was not maintained.)
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Businesses should be compensated for lost revenue during the move.
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The displacing agency should implement a public information program, including radio and television broadcasts, that details the project, the businesses to be moved, and the businesses' new locations.
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The "legal jargon" in all documents should be simplified, making them easier to understand.
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The reestablishment payment should be increased to at least $50,000.
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Relocation agents should receive sensitivity training.
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Businesses should be allowed more time for renovations at the replacement site, if necessary.
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In addition to existing financial assistance, the displacing agency should provide interest free loans to businesses to prevent businesses from having to close.
