A beautification project in the 300 block of South Street was supposed to be done months ago.
The goal is to create new sidewalks, curbs, lights and trees. However, the merchant association tells Action News the decision by PGW to put in new gas mains has pushed the project back.
As a result, the sidewalks are torn up, and business owners say their customers are walking away.
Matt Keating, the owner of a cell phone store, says potential customers can't even get into his shop.
"It's just getting worse," Keating said. "It wasn't like this two days ago, but we came in today and they had it completely blocked off."
Unfortunately for merchants and shoppers, the construction will get worse before it gets better. Over the next 10 days, more of the 300 block of South Street will be torn up.
