Burlington, Vermont, September 14, 2025
News Summary
Business owners in Burlington, Vermont, are grappling with significant disruptions due to the ongoing construction associated with the Great Streets BTV project. This project, aimed at improving the downtown area, has led to drastic drops in customer foot traffic, prompting closures of notable establishments. Despite city efforts to support affected businesses, many owners express concerns over their survival through the lengthy construction timeline, which is expected to conclude in 2026.
Burlington, Vermont is currently facing challenges as business owners on Main Street struggle with significant disruptions due to ongoing construction. The Great Streets BTV project, which began in February 2024, aims to transform the downtown area with wider sidewalks, more flexible outdoor spaces, and improved water collection systems aimed at enhancing the walkability and liveliness of the city. However, the construction is scheduled to continue until November 2026, leading to considerable concerns among local merchants.
Many businesses have reported a drastic drop in customer foot traffic, with some experiencing sales declines ranging from 20% to 50%. Notably, popular establishments such as Nectar’s and The Gryphon have announced permanent closures, attributing their decisions primarily to decreased patronage linked to the construction. Others, like Honey Road, faced limitations in setting up outdoor seating, which has also negatively impacted their revenue.
In response to the rising frustrations among business owners, the Burlington Department of Public Works (DPW) has taken steps to address concerns. This includes hiring a public involvement coordinator to facilitate communication with businesses. The DPW has committed to replacing water lines at no cost to property owners, as well as introducing parking promotions to help mitigate the negative effects of the construction.
Despite these efforts, nearly 100 business owners attended a city hall meeting to express their dissatisfaction and seek solutions for their financial losses. Many cited fears that without more immediate assistance, their businesses may not survive until the project is completed. Some have made operational adjustments such as reducing staff and working fewer hours to cope with the financial strain.
City officials have suggested various strategies, including opening for one-way traffic flow to ease access, but these proposals were considered too expensive and have extended the construction timeline, pushing completion into potentially late 2027. Meanwhile, the city is committed to ongoing marketing efforts aimed at encouraging customers to return to the downtown area.
There are some signs of progress, as construction has already led to the completion of wider concrete sidewalks designed to accommodate more outdoor seating in the future. Moreover, the project is part of a larger initiative focusing on upgrading infrastructure and redeveloping deteriorating properties in Burlington, promoting long-term city resilience.
While some businesses have adjusted their marketing strategies—like Burlington Wine Shop, which has resorted to email marketing to attract customers—tangible support measures are still in demand. There is a collective call from business owners urging the city to devise more effective strategies to bolster financial support during this extended period of construction disruption.
Summary of Key Impacts
- Construction Start: February 2024
- Expected Completion: November 2026
- Business Closures: Nectar’s and The Gryphon
- Sales Decline: 20% to 50% for many businesses
- City Support: Parking promotions, loan funds, marketing efforts
Current Business Adjustments
- Reducing staff and hours
- Increased focus on digital marketing and customer outreach
Challenges Faced by Businesses
- Decreased foot traffic due to construction
- Restrictions on outdoor seating
- Financial losses leading to permanent closures
Context for Long-Term Goals
The city’s initiatives are part of an overarching strategy to enhance Burlington’s downtown area, focusing on improving infrastructure and ensuring long-term sustainability. However, the lengthy construction timeline raises critical questions about the immediate future of many small businesses in the area.
FAQs
What is the purpose of the Great Streets BTV project?
The project aims to create wider sidewalks, more flexible outdoor spaces, and improve water collection to make downtown Burlington more walkable and dynamic.
When is the construction expected to be completed?
The construction is scheduled to be completed by November 2026.
What support is available for local businesses during the construction?
The city has implemented parking promotions, a loan fund for affected businesses, and ongoing marketing efforts to attract customers back to downtown.
What challenges are business owners facing due to the construction?
Business owners are experiencing significant decreases in foot traffic and sales, with some reporting losses of 20% to 50% since construction began.
Key Features of the Great Streets BTV Project
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Wider Sidewalks | Enhanced walking space for pedestrians, accommodating outdoor seating. |
| Flexible Outdoor Spaces | Areas designed for community events and open-air seating for businesses. |
| Improved Water Collection | Redesigned drainage systems to minimize water accumulation and enhance infrastructure. |
| Construction Timeline | Scheduled completion in November 2026. |
| City Support Measures | Parking promotions, loan funds, and marketing efforts to support local enterprises. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Vermont Biz: Burlington Business Owners Look Forward After Construction
- Seven Days: Main Street Construction is Hurting Burlington Businesses
- Burlington Free Press: The Gryphon Restaurant Closes Due to Construction
- NBC 5: Burlington Main Street Project Update
- Wikipedia: Urban Development
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