MIAMI BEACH, Fla. \u2014 Several blocks on the west end of Lincoln Road in Miami Beach have been a construction zone for months. <\/p>\n
Crews have dug up asphalt, removed sidewalks, and are installing new drainage and a pumping station. <\/p>\n
Some residents and business owners told Local 10 the work has created hardships. <\/p>\n
\u201cYou can see what a complete disruption of the neighborhood it is,\u201d said resident Gary McKenna. \u201cTrying to keep your apartment clean. Your car clean.\u201d<\/p>\n
Gary Hennes, a longtime real estate broker and founder of Gary Hennes Realtors, said he\u2019s lost business.<\/p>\n
He calls the area a \u201cmud pit.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201c(I\u2019m) very proud of Miami Beach,\u201d he said. \u201cOn the other side of things, it\u2019s been difficult.\u201d<\/p>\n
Hennes said without traffic on the street, it\u2019s difficult for clients to get to his office. Foot and car traffic is just about nonexistent. <\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s hurt business quite a bit. Once the streets were ripped up, the sidewalks were gone, everyone is left onto their own,\u201d he said. <\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re all hopeful for that,\u201d McKenna said. \u201cIt seems to be working in the other areas of Miami Beach. We just don\u2019t know how much longer we\u2019re going to be living this way.\u201d<\/p>\n
A city spokesperson said this phase of the project is expected to be completed this summer. <\/p>\n