SEATTLE — Some businesses in the Eastlake community say ongoing construction tied to Seattle’s RapidRide J Line project is taking a toll on customer traffic and sales, leaving some owners worried about their long-term future.
Construction is more than halfway complete on the new RapidRide J Line, a bus service designed to connect neighborhoods including Belltown, Eastlake and the University District. But while crews work toward improving access, some Eastlake business owners say the project has made it difficult for customers to reach them.
“Navigating through COVID was easier than navigating through what we’re going through now,” said Lisa Wojnar, co-owner of Otter Bar.
Wojnar and Jim Hagander have operated Otter Bar in Eastlake for the past seven years. Outside their business, crews continue work on the corridor as part of the major transportation and transformation project.
According to Wojnar, the construction has had a significant impact on revenue. They have done everything from cutting down on business hours and staff hours.
“Sales are down 40 percent, if not more, from last year,” she said.
Hagander said accessibility issues are keeping customers away.
“We’re just seeing less people come to the neighborhood just because it’s so difficult to get here, find a parking space,” Hagander said.
He also expressed concern about what could happen during the wetter months ahead.
“But once winter comes, and it’s raining cats and dogs for six months, what do you do then?” Hagander said.
The project itself is more than just a bus route; it comes with improvements to several neighborhoods.
Darrell Bulmer, the City of Seattle’s Outreach and Engagement Lead for the project, said upgrades include new water mains, drainage systems, road surfaces, sidewalks, and improved access to the future transit service. He acknowledges the challenges businesses are facing and says efforts have been made to lessen the impact.
“It’s been difficult and a challenge, but we’ve maintained access to all businesses at all times,” Bulmer said. “We’ve worked with them ahead of time to provide loading zones so that they can get materials to their business when needed.”
According to the city, the most disruptive phase of construction is largely complete. Officials also say the finished project is expected to bring more people into the neighborhood by improving transportation connections.
Still, Otter Bar’s owners worry about whether some businesses can hold on until then.
“We’re not anti-progress. We know this is a very important project for the City of Seattle,” Hagander said. “But there are going to be peripheral detrimental effects because of this project.”
Wojnar is encouraging residents to continue supporting local businesses during construction.
“We don’t want to lose all of our businesses,” she said. “We want to remain cute Eastlake and fun Eastlake. So come to your sports bar. Go have your tacos. We all need people to come visit us.”
Crews are currently finishing the final sections of new street surface work on Eastlake Avenue. The RapidRide J Line project is expected to be completed in 2027.
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