Title: Downtown Denver Businesses Struggle with Significant Sales Decrease Attributed to Homeless Encampments
Over the past few weeks, downtown Denver businesses have been grappling with a concerning issue that is severely impacting their sales. A rising number of homeless encampments surrounding these businesses on almost every side has resulted in a significant decline in customer footfall, leading to a devastating 40% decrease in sales. Business owners are reporting that the encampments are not only scaring away potential customers but also deterring prospective employees.
One business owner, Danny Newman, the proprietor of Mercury Café situated at the corner of 22nd and California streets, describes the discomfort and fear experienced by customers: They’re scared… They’re uncomfortable. It’s hard to get people motivated to walk through that. Scott Coors, the owner of Triangle Bar on Broadway, echoes this sentiment, stating that there is no direct way to park and get to our entrance without walking through a homeless encampment right now.
The situation has become increasingly troubling, with business owners reporting a rise in attacks. Shocking footage obtained from Denver7 captures an incident where a man attempts to snatch a woman’s bag, violently dragging her on the sidewalk near Broadway and 21st Street. Fortunately, a bystander steps in to protect the woman and recover her belongings. Mark Berzins, owner of British Bulldog, also highlights another assault involving a passer-by who was struck with a baseball bat in front of his bar just last weekend.
City Councilman Darrell Watson has responded to the concerns raised by business owners after the initial report aired on Denver7 two weeks ago. Despite his prompt action and visit to the area, the toll on businesses continues to mount. Newman, for instance, reveals that he has had to hire off-duty officers at a significant cost of $90 per hour to maintain peace and safety at Mercury Café. Coors conducted a survey among his customers, finding that 74% of respondents now frequent his bar less frequently compared to the previous year, with 62% citing homeless encampments and safety concerns as the primary reasons for their decreased patronage.
Parking is another significant issue highlighted by respondents. Adam Herbert, who manages parking lots for LAZ Parking in downtown Denver, acknowledges the severity of the situation, stating that it has just fallen off a cliff and gotten to a point where I don’t know what these poor businesses are going to do and how they’re going to survive out here.
Amidst assurances from the city that action will be taken within the next six months, business owners express their apprehensions about the sustainability of their establishments. Coors declares, We won’t last six months, while Berzins concurs, stating, Six months, no one’s going to make it six months. Newman laments the plight of customer-facing businesses in the neighborhood, expressing his disbelief at the worsening situation. Meanwhile, Herbert emphasizes the lack of safety even within parking lots.
Denver7 reached out to Councilman Watson, who is currently engaged in discussions with affected businesses. However, the urgency of the situation demands immediate resolution rather than prolonged dialogue.
The detrimental impact of homeless encampments on downtown Denver businesses is resulting in a dire sales decline. As sales plummet, business owners face mounting challenges, including safety concerns and decreased patronage. The city’s promise of action within six months offers little solace, leaving business owners uncertain about their survival. Urgent and effective solutions are needed to address this crisis and ensure the long-term viability of downtown Denver businesses.
