Colorado Springs – Business owners on the 8th Street corridor are feeling the pinch of a multi‑year construction project that has reduced traffic flow and customer foot‑traffic. Owners such as Jim Hendershott of Billy’s Old World Pizza say daily sales have fallen dramatically, with some Saturdays dropping from roughly $1,500 to just $200.
Revenue losses and staffing cuts
Hendershott, whose pizza shop sits in the Colorado Place Shopping Center at the corner of 8th Street and Highway 24, described a once‑busy lunchroom now often empty. “I feel bad because they have to pay their bills too,” he said, noting that reduced hours have forced him to let staff go.
Other merchants along the strip echo similar concerns, reporting revenue declines as steep as 50% since construction began. Many have tried promotional lunch specials, but the limited improvement has not offset the loss of regular customers.
City response and outreach
City Engineer and Deputy Public Works Director Gayle Sturdivant acknowledged the frustration, stating, “We understand the challenges businesses along 8th Street are experiencing, and we are committed to keeping them accessible and informed throughout construction.” The city has assigned a dedicated business‑outreach contact and directs owners to the Economic Development team’s small‑business resources at ColoradoSprings.gov/smallbiz.
Sturdivant also cited unexpected water‑line work by Colorado Springs Utilities as a factor that has extended the construction schedule. The city says it is working closely with its partners to finish the project as quickly and safely as possible while minimizing disruption.
Utilities’ perspective
Cassie Melvin, a public affairs specialist for Colorado Springs Utilities, added, “We recognize that construction can be frustrating for businesses, their employees, and their customers, and we appreciate the patience shown by the 8th Street business community.” She explained that underground utility conflicts, challenging ground conditions, and adverse weather have required additional coordination.
Utilities continue to communicate directly with affected businesses, offering updates and directing owners to city programs designed to support them during the construction period.
Projected timeline
The combined effort of the city and utilities aims to complete the entire project by next spring. In the meantime, officials encourage merchants to take advantage of the available outreach services and financial assistance programs.
What local business owners can do
Owners are urged to stay in contact with the city’s outreach liaison, explore the small‑business resource portal, and consider temporary signage or marketing campaigns that highlight alternative access routes. Community groups and chambers of commerce are also offering networking events to share best practices for navigating the construction period.
While the roadwork presents a significant short‑term challenge, city leaders remain confident that the long‑term benefits—improved traffic flow, safer streets, and enhanced infrastructure—will ultimately support a stronger, more vibrant 8th Street commercial district.
Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.
