News Brief : Project Revision Sought

Downtown merchants asked the Manhattan Beach City Council to take actions to stem loss of business due to the Streetscape beautification project and sewer and storm drain work.

Dave Arias of the Downtown Merchants Assn. suggested completing the sewer and storm drain work before continuing with Streetscape construction, and adding a full-time liaison between the merchants and the city.

Merchants cited street work and lack of notification about the status of the Streetscape project for a dramatic drop in business since construction began four weeks ago.

In response, the council said it will investigate whether revising the construction schedule would increase costs or delay the project’s completion, now set for the end of June.

William Bennett of ASL Consulting Engineers, the firm overseeing the project, said a full-time employee will be assigned for at least the next two to four weeks to help resolve merchants’ problems.