Businesses taking a hit due to streetcar construction

OMAHA, Neb. - Construction in downtown Omaha is creating more than traffic in the area and businesses are now suffering the consequences. 

It’s been ten years since the research, studies and planning for the Omaha Streetcar began. It wasn't until this year that crews began delivering streetcar rail to staging areas along the route in preparation for welding and installation. 

The first batch was delivered March 5th, and a host of issues came with it.

Traffic, a need for parking, temporary closures to roads, and the most impactful one, a drop in profits for area businesses. 

"It's been pretty rough, honestly, like it usually, a lot of these businesses rely on pedestrian traffic, people out and about on a nice day like this," said Gabby Brownfielf who works at Mercury.

"We've pretty much been dealing with the construction and since, since we've opened, it's been one of our biggest challenges," said Abraham Vidaurre, executive chef at Cattle Call.

Businesses have taken the biggest hit and some wonder if they will survive. 

"We work in service, so people, like our customers are our business, and if we're not, people aren't coming in because they have nowhere to park or they're not able to access us from the street. It's rough," said Brownfielf.

Businesses have come together. They have formed the Streetcar Impact Alliance hoping to get solutions from the city. 

In a press release, Mayor John Ewing said they are limited in offering financial relief but have continued to look for revenue resources. 

The city and the Omaha Streetcar Authority have created a program to encourage residents to visit over 50 businesses along the streetcar corridor.

In addition, Park Omaha developed a plan to offer $1 parking sessions in two downtown garages. 

It remains to be seen how much these strategies will help.

"They implemented the streetcar passport program," said Brownfielf. "Essentially, it kind of feels like slapping a band aid on a problem like it's not fully solving that."

Businesses remain hopeful for the future. City leaders view the project as historic. The project includes the reconstruction and relocation of more than 100-year-old utilities. 

The streetcar is set to be in service in 2028.