Construction slows business in St. Augustine's historic district

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. – Owners of several businesses in St. Augustine's historic district are upset about a construction project that they say it's making things tough for people to get to the shops, restaurants and boutiques.

The $3.3 million project began in April involving Spanish, Hypolita and Treasury streets. The project includes underground utility construction, improved drainage, brick-paved streets, new street lights, new benches and trash cans.

Instead of walking down wide-paved streets, the construction is causing people to walk around areas fenced off for construction.

Signs are posted telling people that the businesses are open and visitors don't seem to mind the construction.

"(It) doesn't seem like it's too bad. A little noisy, but it's something you can just walk across," said Aser Robles, from Tampa.

Project leaders say they expect the construction to be done by April 2015, and business owners say it can't happen soon enough.

"(I) hope it will get done soon, but I know it's for the best," said Arlette Kephard of Shopaholic Boutique.