The culprit is obvious to anyone who's been on East Colfax lately: Bus Rapid Transit. The construction project, which broke ground last fall, is in the midst of transforming the street; it will ultimately add a dedicated center lane that runs from downtown Denver to Aurora, the entire length of RTD's 15 route. But BRT comes at a cost far beyond the $150 million in federal money that's being poured into it. Small, independent, locally-owned businesses — which comprise the vast majority of the East Colfax economic corridor — are being sent into an economic tailspin by ripped-up roads, blocked sidewalks, heavy machinery and mazes of barricades that restrict parking and access
This week, Denver Economic Development & Opportunity started accepting applications for grants from the Business Impact Opportunity Fund. But in their comments on the Westword Facebook post of Jason Heller's story about businesses suffering through the BRT, readers suggest that the help will be too little, too late. Says Peter:
The construction is a nightmare. The city needs to compensate these businesses.Adds Fred:
The city needs to realize that not everyone who frequents the shops on Colfax can walk there or take a bus. A majority will drive a car, shop at a couple spots and then move on. What the city is basically doing is prioritizing jaywalking, illegal scooter violations, and hurting the businesses. In addition, they're losing parking revenue from the meters.Notes Lio:
Read that a grant had been issued to help businesses affected by the Colfax construction, so I went around and asked a few of my regular spots if they had applied. Every single one told me the city is making it nearly impossible to access the funds — requiring mountains of paperwork, multiple trips to city offices, and mandatory meetings that pull them away from actually running their business. How is this helping?Counters Joe:
Progress can be painful, the city and most everyone who isn’t an affected business owner stand to benefit greatly. In my long Colorado life I’ve been to several of these businesses, which are great. Hopefully they can weather the construction; it’s a joint project between Aurora, Denver, CDOT, RTD benefitting from federal funds — better use them while we can. When finished, you’ll be able to get to these bars much quicker, and probably thousands of other businesses and workplaces.Responds Jer:
Love the optimism. They have destroyed central Colfax. It looks like a war zone.Advises Austin:
Just move to the 16th Street Mall... Oh, wait.Concludes Dylan:
I just feel for these small business owners on Colfax (and for the 16th Street Mall, too). You survive COVID, only for the city to absolutely rip up the street outside your front door for YEARS. The city is completely neglecting the character and businesses of Denver.What do you think of the Colfax BRT project? Post a comment or share your thoughts at [email protected].
