Delta’s Main Street Improvement Project, designed to enhance safety and traffic flow, has had an unexpected and challenging impact on local businesses. While the city reports increases in downtown sales tax revenue, many store owners say the disruptions have been more harmful than helpful.
A Vision for Safer Streets, but At What Cost?
Launched in 2022, the Main Street Project aimed to make the thoroughfare safer by slowing down traffic and creating pedestrian-friendly spaces. According to the City of Delta, these changes have led to a 7% increase in sales tax revenue for downtown businesses, a figure that might sound promising on paper. However, local business owners have a different story to tell.
Kenneth Marker, the owner of Thrifty Ken’s Odds & Ends, expressed frustration over the project’s impact. “I’ve seen a lot of businesses come and go since this started. It being worth it for the businesses, no. It being worth it for the city, maybe,” Marker said. This sentiment is echoed by many who feel the improvements are not benefiting them directly, despite the supposed increase in revenue.
Traffic and Safety Improvements: Real or Perceived?
The city partnered with the Colorado Department of Transportation to ensure safety concerns were addressed during the project. One of the key successes they highlight is the reduction in traffic speed and truck traffic. The average speed on Main Street has reportedly decreased by 10 mph, and truck traffic has dropped by 17%. While these figures might suggest progress, they don’t seem to resonate with everyone.
Laura Tarr, owner of Tara’s, acknowledged that customer parking had improved, and people felt safer getting in and out of their cars. However, others, like community member Shawn Sheire, raised concerns over still-dangerous traffic speeds. “I almost got hit on my scooter trying to cross Main Street. Some of the cars fly down here at 45 mph,” Sheire said, pointing out that despite the project’s goals, Main Street’s safety still remains a work in progress.
Construction Plans Force Businesses to Close
The next phase of the Main Street Project involves revamping the sidewalks, which has led to a major disruption for many businesses along the street. For some, this means having to close their front entrances for extended periods, causing serious financial strain.
Marker, who has no back entrance to his shop, explained, “I’d have to be shut down until they are done. I have no back entrance, I have no way to park or enter the back.” While he understands the need for the work, the temporary shutdown presents a significant challenge for his business.
Tarr, on the other hand, took a more pragmatic view. “It’s got to be done, it’s better to get it done and over with and move forward,” she said. Despite her willingness to push through, the reality of forced closures is hitting businesses hard.
Lack of Communication Leaves Business Owners in the Dark
Another issue that has surfaced is the lack of communication between the city and the local business owners. Many entrepreneurs along Main Street claim they weren’t properly informed about the project’s timeline, scope, or expected disruptions. Tarr and Marker both voiced concerns that they were left out of discussions regarding the construction phases.
Tarr, who was particularly frustrated by the lack of clarity, said, “They said they spoke to every one of us businesses and they have not. No one has come to talk to me.” Marker echoed her sentiment, adding, “Right now, it’s all hearsay, no one’s come to me, no one explained it to me, no one told me the dates or what to expect.”
Without clear communication, business owners have been forced to adapt to changes that they didn’t see coming, further complicating their already difficult situations.
