COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) – Many businesses along South Academy have posted signs that say “Open Under Construction,” but business owners are still struggling and need money to recoup their losses. The city is requesting the following.
Business owners who say ongoing construction projects are costing them money along South Academy Boulevard are seeking more than $1 million from the city to recoup their losses.
Some business owners have felt losses so great that they have had to close their businesses.
This prompted one man to speak up to the city council and ask for funding to keep all of this alive.
Felipe Velazquez is the owner of Felipe’s 109, a restaurant on South Academy Boulevard.
“The Southeast is suffering and we don’t feel like our voices are being heard,” Velasquez told the council today.
He asked the city for $1.5 million to help the 150 businesses along the thoroughfare, which have been hurt by major construction since last year.
“About 80% of our business is about Latinos and Latino heritage, and it is very important for us to advocate for them,” Velasquez added.
Meanwhile, the city says it doesn’t have any grants to help businesses affected by construction, but has worked hard to support, educate and support business owners over the last year.
“We want to make sure we have all the information we need before we get into a crisis. We understand what the construction schedule is and what is available,” Colorado Springs Economic Development Director Jesse Kimber said. I understand the resources.”
The first phase of the project along South Academy is expected to be completed by November.
