Businesses suffer as East Colfax Avenue construction hinders traffic

In Denver, Colorado, businesses along East Colfax Avenue are feeling the negative impacts of ongoing bus rapid transit construction, which began in October. Business owners such as Sudhir Kudva, who runs Squire Lounge, have reported a significant decline in customer traffic, estimating about a 40% drop in earnings. Kudva noted that before the construction started, his venue typically made around $2,000 on a regular night, but now he’s fortunate to see $500. The blockage of parking spaces due to construction cones has driven away potential customers, leading to tough decisions like layoffs for the first time in over two decades of operating six bars. Meanwhile, new businesses like Mama Joe's, which opened this week, are concerned about how the lack of accessible parking will affect old and new establishments alike as they compete for limited foot traffic. To help mitigate the financial strain caused by this disruption, the city of Denver has opened applications for small business grants amounting to $15,000 aimed at supporting affected businesses along Colfax Avenue. These grants are intended to alleviate some economic difficulties caused by the construction. However, Kudva expressed doubts about the sufficiency of these funds, fearing that they may run out quickly as many businesses scramble to apply, especially if construction delays impact the project's timeline. He raised concerns that the grants may not be enough to keep businesses afloat, as many local shops and establishments rely heavily on consistent traffic for survival. Kudva conveyed a sense of urgency regarding the necessity of the project, questioning the public’s reluctance to understand the reasons for the bus rapid transit route that has caused such disruption, indicating a crisis if many closures of local businesses were to occur due to ongoing construction. As the construction persists, local business owners continue to voice their frustrations while grappling with the economic struggles brought about by the changes on East Colfax Avenue. The hope remains that once construction is complete, the revamped bus transit system will bring back the traffic that many businesses desperately need to thrive, but immediate repercussions are felt strongly in the community as many question the long-term viability of their establishments amidst these changes.