Flagler Street is getting beautified. Although the 30-month project is on track, it is $5 million over budget, according to Miami Today.
Construction workers completed the first step of removing asphalt and gas lines in only three days. However, the next phase of laying Florida Power & Light cables for Flagler’s electricity hit a major roadblock.
“FP&L can’t use machinery to do their work because there are too many water lines and gas lines,” explained Downtown Development Authority Chairman and City Commissioner Manolo Reyes. “I went and inspected it, and it has to be done by hand because of all the connections in the street. But they are working hard and fast. We are very much on top of it and not letting it hold the Flagler business back.”
Reyes said he didn’t want another First Street fiasco, where “workers weren’t seen for days and days” and businesses went bankrupt. He assured that if that happened, there would be consequences.
The Downtown Development Authority gave $5,000 to small businesses affected by the construction.
