Red, Purple Line construction disrupts businesses in Downtown Silver Spring

SILVER SPRING, Md. ( DC News Now ) — Several businesses in downtown Silver Spring are losing profits by large margins due to what they believe is caused by the construction of the Purple and Red lines.

Fenwick Beer and Wine is a family-owned shop that Nepal native Suman Shresta has operated for over a decade in Montgomery County. Shresta said business has not been the same since Metro construction kicked off in June.

“This day, this week, we used to work like three to four people all day long. Now, [I’m] by myself. I have nothing to do [but stand here], hoping somebody will stop by,” said Shresta, as he anxiously waited for his first customer to come in two hours after opening.

The slow flow of patrons is a complete shocker for Shresta as the Fourth of July week is normally a major money-maker for the small business.

“It’s very bad. I feel like I might be going out of business pretty soon,” Shresta told DC News Now.

According to Shresta, his profits are down by upwards of 50% since multiple construction projects in the area including the Spring Street Bridge which closed due to the construction of the light-rail purple line rolled out.

“I can’t bring anybody here because it’s not accessible to come anymore here,” said Shresta, who chose to establish his business on Fenwick Lane because it was conveniently located between a main road leading to the highway and blocks from the Silver Spring metro station. “People who used to walk in 10 minutes, now they have to back up and spend like 15 to minutes [to get here].”

Within the last month, Shresta said he laid off one of his employees and amassed debts he never imagined experiencing from his once popular shop.

“Bills keep pilling up, the line of credit is maxed this month,” Shresta said.

Shresta, along with other businesses in the area said they are unsure as to how much longer they can keep their doors open if construction continues to deter patrons away.

“I have four employees – one gone – so I have three left. I don’t know how long I can keep them,” Shresta said.

According to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), the Silver Spring Metro stop is expected to reopen at the end of August. However, the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) announced in a statement that the Spring Street Bridge will be closed until the end of the year.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.