City Money For Businesses Affected By Metro Construction

Local businesses affected by metro construction received a big check from metro Monday. Metro’s business interruption fund made its first payment today. they handed out more than $66,000 to four small businesses who say their sales have been low because of metro rail construction.  

“This is not to offer a hand out it is to offer a hand up for those who have been harmed,” said Los Angeles County Supervisor, Mark Ridley-Thomas. Businesses only have to meet a few qualifications to apply. “You need to show it’s because of the construction, this is taxpayer money. Small businesses have to 25 employees or fewer, an operation history of two years and have a good tax history,” Mayor Eric Garcetti said. 

The amounts vary depending on the impact. Some received as much as 40-thousand dollars. Marilyn brown, owner of Design Studio 27 received about $10,000. “My business has closed and I moved to completely different salon business in the corridor so it completely impacted my business,” she said. 

The barbershop next door says they have suffered too but haven’t received anything from Metro. “I have to go pick up my clients and take them back home and that takes two hours from my day and from my shift. Other than that they wouldn’t come,” said Jay, the barber. 

Metro says they have about 10 million dollars that will be distributed to businesses that have been affected. For now -- local businesses hope they don’t go out of business before the construction is over.