News Summary
Business owners on Main Street in Burlington face significant challenges due to the disruptions caused by the Great Streets BTV project. Initiated to enhance pedestrian accessibility, the construction has led to a decline in foot traffic, prompting some long-standing businesses to close and others to struggle with sales. While the city is making efforts to support affected businesses, including marketing initiatives and loan funds, many owners are growing anxious about their futures as delays extend the construction timeline.
Burlington – Business owners along Main Street are facing significant challenges as the Great Streets BTV project continues to disrupt the commercial landscape of downtown Burlington. The construction, which began in February 2024, aims to improve pedestrian accessibility and enhance the overall environment of the area, but many businesses are reporting declining foot traffic that could jeopardize their survival.
The city’s Department of Public Works (DPW) is overseeing the project, which is expected to be completed by November 2026. A public involvement coordinator has been hired to facilitate communication between the city and affected business owners, addressing concerns and offering support. Notably, the DPW is also replacing outdated water lines at no cost to property owners along Main Street and has introduced parking promotions to encourage visitors despite the ongoing construction.
However, the effects of the project are evident, with several long-established businesses, including Nectar’s and The Gryphon, announcing their permanent closures, primarily attributing their decisions to the drastic reduction in customer traffic. Additionally, other establishments, such as Honey Road, have reported difficulties in operating as usual, including being unable to set up outdoor seating, which has adversely affected sales. Evidence suggests that many businesses have experienced sales declines ranging from 20% to 50% since the construction began.
In response to the diminished customer flow, some business owners have adapted their marketing strategies. Brad Kelley, the owner of the Burlington Wine Shop, has intensified his focus on email marketing as a way to maintain sales during these challenging times. Many businesses have also adjusted their operations, including reducing staff hours to manage costs while navigating this extended period of disruption.
As frustrations mounted, nearly 100 business owners gathered at a city hall meeting to voice their concerns and discuss the financial impacts of the ongoing construction. With the project facing various delays that have pushed back the expected deadlines, business owners express growing anxiety about their ability to sustain operations until the completion of the project.
To assist local businesses, the city has implemented several measures geared towards alleviating the financial strain caused by the construction. This includes enhancing advertising efforts to draw customers back to the downtown area and offering a loan fund for those directly affected by the disruptions.
While there have been discussions about adjusting traffic flows through the construction zone, proposed solutions, such as opening Main Street to one-way traffic, have been met with challenges that are too costly, further delaying potential relief and pushing the construction timeline into 2027. As such, business owners are increasingly calling for the city to reconsider its strategies and provide more tangible support strategies during this prolonged construction period.
The Great Streets BTV project is part of a larger initiative aimed at upgrading infrastructure and redeveloping deteriorating properties to foster long-term resilience in Burlington. Although some construction has progressed, including the completion of wider concrete sidewalks for more outdoor seating options, the overarching impact on local businesses and their viability remains a pressing concern as the community grapples with these ongoing changes.
As the city moves forward with efforts to revamp downtown, the balance between infrastructural development and sustaining the livelihood of local businesses will be paramount to ensure a thriving future for Burlington’s Main Street.
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Additional Resources
- Vermont Biz: Burlington Business Owners Look Forward After Construction
- Seven Days: Main Street Construction is Hurting Burlington Businesses
- Burlington Free Press: The Gryphon Restaurant Closes Due to Construction
- NBC 5: Burlington Main Street Project Update
- Wikipedia: Urban Development
Author: STAFF HERE MILWAUKEE WRITER
MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
