Wheat Ridge businesses tackle construction challenges on Wadsworth Boulevard

For years, Wadsworth Boulevard has been under construction, significantly affecting local businesses. Owners like Rick Abitol of Brewery Rickoli and Ainur Studygulova of Mac & Cheezary have reported a decline in foot traffic due to construction and lane changes. While property owners have received compensation for land impacts, business owners who rent their spaces have not, leading to frustration and financial strain. The city of Wheat Ridge acknowledges the challenges faced by these businesses and is exploring ways to assist them, including the installation of business access signs and potential grants through the Wheat Ridge Business District. Maria D'Andrea, the Public Works Director, clarified that the construction timeline is on track, with completion expected this fall for the area north of 44th Avenue. This has been a point of confusion for many business owners who believed the project was delayed. The city is committed to improving access and increasing vehicle traffic along Wadsworth, which they hope will ultimately benefit local businesses. Despite these efforts, the impact of construction has led to some businesses, like Purple Haze, deciding to close. The city recognizes the difficulty of correlating lost revenue with construction impacts, making it challenging to provide direct support to affected businesses. However, they are actively seeking solutions to help mitigate the negative effects of ongoing construction. As the construction progresses, the city remains hopeful that improved access will lead to a resurgence in customer traffic, allowing businesses to recover from the current downturn. The situation highlights the need for better communication and support for small businesses during infrastructure projects.