MIAMI BEACH, Fla. — Several blocks on the west end of Lincoln Road in Miami Beach have been a construction zone for months.
Crews have dug up asphalt, removed sidewalks, and are installing new drainage and a pumping station.
Some residents and business owners told Local 10 the work has created hardships.
“You can see what a complete disruption of the neighborhood it is,” said resident Gary McKenna. “Trying to keep your apartment clean. Your car clean.”
Gary Hennes, a longtime real estate broker and founder of Gary Hennes Realtors, said he’s lost business.
He calls the area a “mud pit.”
“(I’m) very proud of Miami Beach,” he said. “On the other side of things, it’s been difficult.”
Hennes said without traffic on the street, it’s difficult for clients to get to his office. Foot and car traffic is just about nonexistent.
“It’s hurt business quite a bit. Once the streets were ripped up, the sidewalks were gone, everyone is left onto their own,” he said.
On Wednesday, most cafe tables on the north side of the construction were empty. Workers at the Gaythering Hotel and bar said they were relying on social media to try to lure business.
According to the city of Miami Beach, the work is phase two of the West Avenue Neighborhood Improvements Project. The goal is to reduce flooding by adding pumps, raising roads, and enhancing the area by adding lighting.
“We’re all hopeful for that,” McKenna said. “It seems to be working in the other areas of Miami Beach. We just don’t know how much longer we’re going to be living this way.”
A city spokesperson said this phase of the project is expected to be completed this summer.
Residents and business owners can get updates by joining a WhatsApp channel created by the city.
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