10/09/2026
What You Don’t See Behind the Construction Barricades
I want to share something from the heart, from a small business owner’s perspective. Not to point fingers at the City of Aurora or the construction company, but to give people a glimpse of what businesses along the construction route have been going through these past four months.
We all understand that infrastructure improvements are necessary, but for the businesses trying to survive through it, this has become so much more than an inconvenience.
Since construction began in early June, we’ve watched our streets get torn apart, sidewalks disappear, detours change, and access to our businesses become increasingly difficult.
But what people don’t see is what happens on the other side of those barricades.
They don’t see the empty tables, the quiet afternoons, the employees wondering how many hours they’ll get, or the business owners lying awake at night wondering how they’re going to keep up with the bills.
To put things into perspective, from the beginning of June through today, October 9, Rudy’s Bar & Grill has experienced $46,000 less in sales compared to the same period last year.
That’s $46,000 in sales that simply aren’t there, while payroll, utilities, insurance, taxes, and everyday expenses continue.
And Rudy’s isn’t the only business affected. Every business along this construction route has its own story, financial responsibilities, and people depending on it. I can’t speak for everyone’s losses, but I know we’re not alone in feeling the impact.
As if the financial strain weren’t enough, some property owners along the construction route are also facing an additional $8,500 special assessment, adding another burden at an already difficult time.
I’ve owned Rudy’s for over 23 years. I’ve poured countless hours, hard work, and sacrifices into keeping my doors open. It’s more than a building or a business. It’s a part of my life. And it’s incredibly difficult watching something you’ve worked so hard for struggle because of circumstances beyond your control.
But here’s something I really want people to understand: OUR BUSINESSES ARE STILL ACCESSIBLE.
The truth is, you CAN still get to our businesses. It might take a different route, finding another place to park, or walking a little farther than usual. Is it inconvenient? Absolutely. But a short walk never hurt anyone, and I can promise you that the business owners on the other side of those barricades would greatly appreciate you making that extra effort.
With Main Street closed, you can’t even drive by and see our OPEN signs anymore. Please check the pages of our local businesses regularly for updated hours, unexpected changes due to construction, daily specials, and announcements. We’re doing our best to keep everyone informed.
I’m not sharing this looking for sympathy. I’m sharing it because behind every business along this construction route is someone who has invested their time, money, and heart into building something. Someone with employees depending on them, bills that don’t stop coming, and a future they’re trying desperately to protect.
When you think about the businesses behind those barricades, please remember there’s a business owner doing everything they can to keep their doors open.
One day, these roads will be finished. The barricades will come down, and Main Street will be beautiful again.
My hope is that when that day comes, all the businesses that were here before construction started will still be here to enjoy it.
So please, make that extra turn. Find that different parking spot. Take that short walk. Because what might seem like a small effort to you could mean everything to a small business fighting to stay open.
To everyone who has continued to show up and support our local businesses despite the construction, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You have no idea how much it means to see familiar faces walking through our doors when times are tough.
To those who may have thought we were closed or couldn’t be reached, we’re still here, and we’d love to see you.
And to my fellow business owners, hang in there. I know how hard this has been, and I hope we’re all still standing when the dust finally settles.
