AUGUSTA, Ga. () – The major makeover planned for Broad Street is causing major concerns for the people worried about doing business during the work.

“You know, months or years in some cases, which these projects are taking, I don’t see some surviving,” said Penelope Ballas-Stewart, Broad Street restaurant owner.

Downtown business owners went before commissioners on Tuesday, saying there is concern, even fear, when it comes to the impact of the Broad Street project.

“Two years of construction, any business owner is worried. You just hope your patrons stick with you, loyal customers and some hope, you get through it,” said Dennis Abrams a Broad Street business owner.

Business owners said construction crews need to do their jobs without getting in the way of  their jobs.

“Just access to the business 24/7, that’s one thing part of the management of this project needs to give us access communicate with us,” said business owner Brad Usry.

Business owners were shocked when the plans showed a significant reduction in parking spots.

Augusta’s Traffic Engineer told commissioners the plans have been redesigned to add 150 parking spots, but business owners say that still doesn’t make up for all the spaces that will be lost.

“Is it a net gain? Which is what we hope for and what we were told when this project was first introduced, that it would be a net gain on Broad Street, not as loss,” said Ballas-Stewart.

Commissioners and the business owners understand with progress comes pain, but this discussion is being called a step in the right direction.

“I heard a sense of cooperation up there, I think everybody’s on board. They know how important this is for the businesses owners and for Augusta in general because this project is a game changer,” said Usry.

But for Broad Street businesses, change may not be for the better.