Business Owners on S. Broadway Upset Over Parking Limitations During Construction

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South Broadway’s Parking Problem: A Neighborhood in Frustration

Business Owners Feeling the Pinch

DENVER — Ever tried to navigate South Broadway lately? It’s become a bit of a maze with red-bagged parking meters stretching for blocks. This mess comes courtesy of a Denver Water project that many locals say has overstayed its welcome. For businesses, this is more than just an inconvenience; it’s impacting the bottom line.

Dr. Martin Jensen, owner of Artisan Optical, isn’t mincing words. "It’s literally impossible for clients and patients to come to my business without dealing with safety issues. At one point, we didn’t have any sales all day because patients couldn’t access the building without jaywalking across Broadway.” This is a serious pinch for someone who opened up shop only three years ago.

The Impact of Lost Revenue

It’s not just Jensen feeling the heat. Edgar Silvestre, who runs La Loteria, felt the pinch during a crucial time. “Cinco de Mayo is one of the biggest days of the year for us. I was expecting to make $10,000. I only made around $6,500.” A nearly 45% drop in revenue for a weekend is no small fry.

The Chronically Closed Meters

While the lead service line replacements wrapped up on May 9, those pesky parking restrictions are far from over. Sidewalk repairs drag on, leaving businesses scratching their heads. “I just don’t understand the rationale of blocking off blocks and blocks of parking when the work is only in one area,” Jensen said. It’s an ongoing saga of hope and frustration as shop owners show up daily wondering if the dreaded orange cones and red bags will vanish.

A Matter of Safety and Communication

Denver Water swears it’s all about safety and compliance with city permits. “Parking meters are taken out of service from the beginning of work until all restoration and repairs are complete,” explained spokesperson Jimmy Luthye. The agency claims it communicates directly with property owners to minimize disruption, but some business owners aren’t buying it.

“We need the support of the city,” says a disgruntled Jensen. “We’re not asking for special treatment, just for transparency, planning, and a way to keep our doors open without losing customers every time there’s a project.”

The Bigger Picture

This fiasco is part of Denver Water’s ambitious Lead Reduction Program. The goal? Replace all customer-owned lead service lines in 15 years, with over 30,000 lines swapped out since 2020. It’s essential work, no doubt, but at what cost to local commerce?

What’s Next for South Broadway?

The looming question remains: when will normalcy return? Denver Water assures us the sidewalk restorations will wrap up soon, and the meter bags will come down. Until then, South Broadway businesses can only wait, juggling hope and frustration daily.

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