Some business owners said a construction project is eating away at their bottom line.  NY1's Shannan Ferry filed the following report.

The sound of construction crews has become part of daily life on Myrtle Avenue.

The work is expected to upgrade infrastructure and add a pedestrian plaza to the area by May. 

"I think it's worth the wait, I really do, you know, but I'm a very patient person," said resident Claire Grimes. 

But Joseph Valvo said it's a different story for small business owners like him. He said sales have dropped at Glendale Bagels & Quality Deli by about 40% since the project kicked off last year. 

He told NY1 detours, noise, congestion, and fewer parking spaces are all a blunder to his bottom line.

"I mean, I just don't understand how this is allowed, you come in here now, there used to be a line up until where we are," said Valvo.   

Valvo is not alone in his concerns. Andrew Azarian with Myrtle Auto Parts said he's been affected by it too.

"The walk through traffic has completely stopped, all of our deliveries are hours late, paying rent has been pretty tough from that," said manager Andrew Azarian.

Although many business owners and residents we spoke with said they understand the project is already well underway, they think more needs to be done to accommodate the community.

City Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley said that's why she requested work take place during extended daytime hours, so the project is finished as soon as possible.

"There's significant improvements that will benefit the community, but we don't want it to be at a cost of one of our small businesses," said Crowley. 

A spokesperson with the City's Department of Design and Construction said they plan to follow Crowley's recommendation for their crews. The agency said Verizon is also moving lines using the city's' contractor, but a Verizon spokesperson said the decision to speed up the work is the city's to make.

Either way the projects completion can't come soon enough for local business owners.