The timing for construction on the roads in CityPlace in downtown West Palm Beach has some wondering if the busy holiday shopping season was really the best time for the work?
Some say they should have waited until after the holiday, while others say the sooner they start, the sooner it’s done and everyone benefits. Phase one started at the end of October. It’s part one of two.
Jacque and Doug Rasku came up from Lake Worth for date night, some dinner and some shopping.
“The roads are ripped up. It’s difficult to get around. It’s even harder to find a parking spot,” Jacque said.
Lee Sutherland owns Kismet Vintage, a vintage clothing store a nearby.
“Business for me has changed dramatically,” he said. “Right now we’re seeing a drop (because of the construction).”
They all have the same question.
“We both were like, why did they pick this time of year to do this? This is kind of crazy. It seems kind of counterproductive for sure,” Doug said.
“Why are we doing construction in the beginning of season instead of in the summertime?” Lee asked.
The answer: CityPlace said in a statement they had been waiting for approval from the city for some time, and understanding the process to completion, decided they needed to start as soon as they were allowed.
Phase one of the project turns Rosemary Avenue into a curb-less street, adds more landscaping and shaded walkways.
Willie Perez, who’s lived in CityPlace for 18 years, is focused on what it will look like next year.
“They’re putting so much money into this project. The people got to look at the outcome. It’s going to be a little bit of growing pains but it’s something but it’s something that we’re going to benefit from later,” he said.
Phase one will finish in Spring 2019. Phase two, which includes renovating the movie theater, will start in Summer 2019.