SEATTLE — Business owners in Pioneer Square said the waterfront project construction happening in their neighborhood is causing less foot traffic and is derailing sales.
The construction started in January in the neighborhood and is set to go until November.
But the biggest issue, is that the construction is right outside of businesses during the summer months, which is when they generally make the bulk of their revenue. Business owners said since they don’t have office workers frequenting the area or much housing, they really depend on the summer tourist season.
“It almost makes me shake just thinking about all the hardship that it's given, not only us, but this whole neighborhood,” said Sara Upshaw, the owner of OHSUN Banchan Deli & Café. “Like what good is beautification if it closes businesses down?”
Upshaw has had construction near her business since January and next week the construction will move right in front on the sidewalk. Revenue dropped in January and it has not gone back up, she said.
The city said even when they work on her sidewalk, they will make sure the front door is accessible, but she is still concerned. She said the busy summer tourist season is the worst time for this disruptive project.
“I did ask for part of it, the one that's happening right outside my door, to be moved to fall,” said Upshaw. “But they're not able to because of their scheduling.”
Upshaw said the city is not sharing enough details or giving enough support, and that she has had to contact them herself to get information.
“If we're not informed of all the specifics and how it's going to affect our business, we can't plan around that,” said Upshaw. “Summer is the only time, unfortunately, when all of us can try to thrive again.”
Another business owner just down the street has the sidewalk outside her door under construction recently as part of the project. She said she was told it would last two weeks and she said it lasted almost eight weeks.
“It’s rough, it's a business killer,” said Rachel Wilcox, the owner of the bar Underbelly.
She said the construction right outside her door led to her lowest May profits ever.
“People see construction from down there and when they see this, they will cut to the other side and either walk down there or walk down Occidental,” said Wilcox, pointing to the areas people walk due to construction, which has caused people to avoid her business.
She said Pioneer Square business owners seem to have to deal with one issue after another, and she just wishes the city would put more focus on supporting them as they face challenges, like this construction.
“We'll still be feeling the effects of this financially for 6 to 8 more months, even if things somewhat come back,” said Wilcox. “But we're still in the midst of all the construction.”
As people navigate through the construction on the sidewalks, business owners hope the city will better help them navigate through this period too.
“My main hope is to have the people in charge, that can actually make a change, just give a damn,” said Upshaw.
Upshaw recently posted on social media asking the city for more support. She called on her district’s Seattle City Councilmember Rob Saka to help get more resources for impacted businesses.
“The reason why I keep tagging him is because he is our councilmember for this district. And unfortunately, we never see him,” said Upshaw. “I really do feel like Pioneer Square should be the crown jewel of Seattle, but for some reason, finances and resources and whatnot are being put everywhere else.”
KING 5 reached out to Councilmember Saka who sent the following statement:
“I’ve met with business owners in Pioneer Square, and I share their frustration. Pioneer Square is our first neighborhood -- it’s at the heart of our city. It’s critical that we come together as a community to find both short and long-term solutions that help the neighborhood thrive. In the past I’ve worked with small businesses there to solve other complex, emergent issues, and I look forward to working with stakeholders to collectively find the best solutions here.”
KING 5 also reached out to the City’s Waterfront project. A spokesperson said the overall project is on track to be completed by the end of November. When it comes to delays on specific sections they said the following:
“In Pioneer Square, it can be particularly challenging due the age of the infrastructure, the structurally vulnerable underground areaways, and fragile underground utilities. These challenges are typically not known until the street and sidewalk surfaces are removed after construction begins. This can affect construction schedules in localized areas.”
The spokesperson also said they held public meetings and communicated with businesses in the neighborhood. They say construction will continue through November and that they are trying to do it in sections in order to reduce the impact.
The spokesperson said it was needed to work through summer in order to meet deadlines due to the City’s “Holiday Moratorium.” This moratorium bans construction Downtown and in Pioneer Square between Thanksgiving and New Years Eve.