‘Heartbreaking': Businesses may close due to VTA's light rail extension project
San Jose businesses around the site of the Valley Transportation Authority's light rail extension construction are blaming the project for impacting their bottom line and possible closures.
The Eastridge to BART Regional Connector, which has called for lane and road closures during construction that started in the summer of 2024, is estimated to be completed in 2018.
"It's very heartbreaking," said Fernando Galindo, owner of La Grullensa Restaurant. "My parents started this business in 1991."
Galindo said his restaurant on Capitol Avenue has heavily impacted customers dining in since the project started.
The restaurant owner also said the construction has also ruined his business with big equipment sometimes blocking the entrances to the Crossroads Shopping Center.
Business is down 60% to 70%, Galindo said, adding at that rate La Grullensa will likely close for good in another two months.
Next door to Galindo's restaurant is Fast Pizza Delivery, where owner Alex Waziri said he cannot afford a delivery driver anymore.
Waziri said he has lost roughly $40,000 in the last year and his lease is up on Saturday -- a lease he now cannot afford to renew.
"The customers complain," he said. "They say there's too much traffic and you don't have a driver."
The business owners said VTA promised them grants and loans to offset their losses during construction of up to half a million dollars for the area.
"Be responsible," Galindo said. "Give us what your promised."
VTA put up banner alerting drivers that businesses are open during construction.
In a statement, the transit agency said staff delivered a plan to the board related to funding amounts for businesses impacted by construction.
"The plan will be further refined and brought forward for additional consideration at the VTA Board of Directors meeting on March 5," VTA said in a statement.
