Alta’s Cáfe co-owners Michael (left) and Charles Swail are joined by Rö Fitness owner Chelsea Moore.[/caption]

The $3.5 million structure, built in 2012, would have been demolished to make way for the proposed rail line had it passed. Now ownership at the coffee shop and fitness studio agree they can begin thinking long-term about improving their respective businesses.

"Before it was difficult to invest in [Alta's Cafe] when there was so much uncertainty," said Michael Swail, who alongside his brother, Charles, founded Alta's in December 2013. "Now we're able to move some projects forward such as interior renovations to add more indoor seating."

Ro Fitness owner Chelsea Moore agrees it is comforting to gain reassurances that Waller Creek Boathouse will remain open and drop any what-if concerns. But because both businesses rely more on foot and bicycle traffic from the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail than vehicular traffic, Moore said the next efforts will focus on increasing visibility.

"Especially with the boardwalk now open, that opens us up to a whole new side of the lake, and we need to do what we can to foster that alternative mode of transportation in this active community," she said.

Moore also intends on expanding upon her three-class-per-day schedule to include more morning and lunch stationary rowing classes. Her and the Swail brothers also hope to work together to create more partnerships with existing running, biking and rowing groupsor potentially start their ownto foster an active environment and drum up support for their businesses at the same time.

"So far we've ben reactive to the active community. We haven't been proactive enough to try fostering that environment, so hopefully we can foster that social aspect, too," Swail said.