Topic: Future Road Construction in front of Community

The county has informed us that major road construction will take place on the road we are located and affect our only entrance/exit. Currently we have access to a bypass that takes you to the major interstate, that many residents use daily. However, with the new construction we will lose that access and gain a bridge. The plus side is a bike lane, sidewalks and lighting will be added to the road. The bridge will gain access to the other side of the bypass and come right out at the hospital entrance, but will also create more traffic.
In order to be proactive on this inconvenience that will soon be upon us, I am looking for ideas how to get ahead of the curve. Any tried and true techniques in similiar situations is what I am searhing for. How did you communicate to your residents and future residents? Did it negatively impact your leasing efforts? Did you have residents move out because of the temporary inconvenience? Thanks!

Hi Nicole,

We had a major traffic control change two years ago. My community sits between two busy roads, and one of them was changed to have permanent barriers put up so entry onto our street was no longer possible. 6 bus lines also had to be re-routed up the street on our other side too, further increasing traffic.

The problems in increased traffic continue to this day, and is now our #1 reason for move out. During the initial construction work, I posted flyers around the building and in the common areas to let residents know. I met with the county representatives and had them create and provide the flyers. I planned a retention so residents could discuss it together and with me.

To access my building now, you must approach from the tiny two lane road on one side, instead of from the 5 lane road on the other side. It doesn't help that this little two lane road is also the access point for the largest shopping mall in my area.

Our clientele is slowly changing. We now have to attract more prospects who commute via public transit and those who work nearby, at the mall or other local business within an easy commute. Also, we attract more shift workers who wont be hindered as much by rush hour traffic. These residents have different lifestyles that bring a new set of issues- such as noise complaints from daytime sleepers, and parking complaints from swing shift workers. We couldn't have known to prepare for these problems, but now we make sure all prospects know our quiet hour and parking policies before moving in.

It sounds like this change will be inconvenient for many of your current residents, but will make your property easy to get to for some also. Be flexible and open to the changes that will come so your residents will be too. The changes might be bigger and more permanent that you can know right now.

Good Luck!!

Rose

Road construction, and really, most construction projects bring on challenges. I am a firm believer in communicating with the Residents in every way possible. I would start with a letter to every Resident letting them know what to expect and the timeline. In fact, I might create an actual Timeline for the property and update it as "milestones" in the project are completed. That way, there is a visual display to keep people know, too.

You might want to hold an early renewal event - get 'em renewed now! :-)

I am also a new believer in emailing your Residents. Sometimes, quick emails to update on something new is great, as are using a texting service to text your Residents. Of course, you can include info on your website, in your monthly newsletter, and by posting in community areas. You could deliver your newsletters attached to a tiny construction helmet to stress it in a fun way.

Good luck! Doesn't sound like a lot of fun for you or your Residents.

Hi, Nicole!

Major road construction is never easy to embrace. But I've found that a positive spin and a little levity can help ease the pain. First, I try to refer to the project as "road improvements" in all of my communication with residents instead of "construction". Try creating a "mascot" for the project. Maybe an animated traffic cone or fun bulldozer that appears on all communication with residents. See if you can obtain a blueprint-type illustration of the completed project and post it on an easel board in your leasing center (with something like a traffic cone on the floor below it). This will help your residents and prospects understand the improvements underway and get an idea of the finished product. Is there a lot of dust and dirt? Try partnering with a local car wash for free or discounted wash coupons to offer residents and/or prospects. Maybe even consider a resident party to celebrate the completion of the improvements. Encourage your staff and residents to dress as road workers and decorate with construction-related objects (barricades, Tonka trucks, etc.). The Tonka trucks could also be a prize drawing for the little ones! And, if necessary, remember to put alternate directions in any print ads and on your website listings. Good luck!