Several blocks on the west end of Lincoln Road in Miami Beach have been transformed into a construction zone for months as crews work on phase two of the West Avenue Neighborhood Improvements Project. The ongoing work has created significant hardships for local residents and business owners who are struggling with disrupted foot traffic and difficult living conditions. City officials say the project is expected to be completed this summer.
“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.” The construction involves crews digging up asphalt, removing sidewalks, and installing new drainage systems and a pumping station designed to reduce flooding in the area.
Gary Hennes, a longtime real estate broker and founder of Gary Hennes Realtors, said the construction has significantly impacted his business operations. He calls the area a “mud pit” and explained how the disruption has affected his ability to serve clients. “(I’m) very proud of Miami Beach,” he said. “On the other side of things, it’s been difficult.”
The lack of accessible streets has made it nearly impossible for clients to reach Hennes’ office, with foot and car traffic virtually nonexistent in the construction zone. “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. Most cafe tables on the north side of the construction were empty, reflecting the broader impact on local businesses.
Workers at the Gaythering Hotel and bar have been forced to rely on social media campaigns to attract customers during the construction period. The West Avenue Neighborhood Improvements Project aims to address chronic flooding issues by adding pumps, raising roads, and enhancing the area with new lighting systems. According to the city of Miami Beach, these infrastructure improvements are part of a broader effort to make the neighborhood more resilient to flooding.
“We’re all hopeful for that,” McKenna said about the project’s flood reduction goals. “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.” The city has created a WhatsApp channel to provide regular updates to residents and business owners affected by the construction work.