Far behind, or right on time? Nostrand Avenue construction timetable remains unclear
UPDATE: A response from the DDC indicates the source of confusion is the result of two overlapping projects–a full reconfiguration of the roadway and the installation of select bus service. Both of these projects have different budgets and time frames, as explained in a quote from the DDC, which appears after the original story (below).
Is the years long, comprehensive reconfiguration of Nostrand Avenue running behind schedule, or right on target? Conflicting reports leave Bed-Stuy residents wondering as a headache continues for nearby businesses.
Previous reporting by DNAInfo and the Brooklyn Reader noted that, after more than two years of work, the $17.5 million project between Atlantic and Flushing Avenues (replacing infrastructure like water mains, hydrants, curbs, sidewalks and traffic lights, while also allowing for the arrival of Select Bus Service) had a scheduled completion of June 2014. The most recent community board update (from February) similarly claims that all remaining work would be completed this past spring, though this may have been only in reference to the express bus, which has now arrived. But an official DDC statement now lists a completion date of all work for this fall, with the price tag now up to $23 million.
“Business has been way down,” said an employee at Halal Grill, on Nostrand between Gates and Monroe. “The city, they don’t offer us anything for the inconvenience. I don’t know when it’s going to be over.”