CINCINNATI — Exciting developments are on the horizon for small business owners in Cincinnati as the City Council deliberates a groundbreaking initiative to offer financial assistance to those affected by ongoing construction projects. This proposal, championed by local entrepreneurs for years, seeks to provide much-needed relief during challenging times.
Understanding the Initiative
The new program aims to address the financial strain many businesses face due to construction-related disruptions. As access to establishments becomes increasingly challenging, the goal is to offset potential losses and support these vital community pillars.
Curious about how it could work? Listen to local business owners share their experiences:
Road closures impacted a business’s bottom line, so the city is looking for ways to help
A Look Back: The Summer Disruptions
Last summer, a significant infrastructure project on the East End led to widespread frustration among both residents and business owners. The Greater Cincinnati Water Works (GCWW) undertook a substantial task, replacing a 60-inch diameter transmission main under Riverside Drive—a project that left many businesses struggling for visibility.
Despite Riverside Drive remaining mostly open, a 100-foot section was under construction, limiting through traffic and affecting footfall at local establishments. However, most businesses strove to maintain accessibility.
Watch my original story from June 2024:
Business owners say city’s construction is driving customers away
Chris Rose, managing partner at Home Court Tavern (also known as Sinners and Saints), expressed his frustrations to WCPO 9 at the time. “This is in the height of our season for all of us down here,” he said. “There is a direct impact on the businesses.”
A month later, updated signage aimed to redirect traffic toward local businesses, but concerns lingered.
Despite updated signage, construction still concerns Riverside Drive businesses
A Council Member Takes Action
In August, Council Member Seth Walsh made a pivotal move by filing a motion aiming to enhance the city’s communication strategies regarding road closures and their impacts on local businesses. The initiative seeks to create a comprehensive report to inform a new policy.
In December, Walsh further advocated for financial support for businesses grappling with the fallout of construction. The response to this motion arrived just earlier this month.
Road Closure Policy Update by webeditors on Scribd
Walsh emphasized the importance of this program after directly engaging with numerous businesses facing challenges during roadwork.
Cincinnati looks to ease burden on businesses impacted by road construction
Learning from the Success of Peer Cities
In a recent council meeting, insights were shared regarding similar support programs from other cities. For instance, Salt Lake City offers $3,000 to affected businesses to cover expenses for enhanced marketing and signage—an initiative aimed at driving customer traffic during construction phases.
San Antonio has an even more substantial program, providing funds ranging from $5,000 to $35,000, requiring businesses to demonstrate revenue loss compared to the previous year.
Walsh expressed optimism about these examples, noting that the overall costs of such programs fall between $200,000 to $1.5 million—a manageable sum for this year’s budget. “This is a program that needs to become a reality sooner rather than later,” he stated, advocating for flexibility in funding.
What Lies Ahead
During a committee meeting, Council Member Mark Jeffreys suggested exploring collaborative efforts to amplify the program’s reach, particularly with the county and other entities involved in city infrastructure projects.
Walsh highlighted the urgency and feasibility of a pilot program, advocating for immediate support to local businesses during construction disturbances. “We owe our businesses some real support during road closure events,” he affirmed, signifying the administration’s intention to alleviate financial burdens, rather than simply replacing lost revenue.
This initiative represents a significant step forward in supporting Cincinnati’s business community, with the clear potential to sustain growth during challenging construction times.
This story was initially reported by a journalist and has been adapted for this platform with AI assistance. Our dedicated editorial team rigorously reviews all content for accuracy and fairness.
