Community leaders and public agencies addressed the concerns of merchants and residents about the reconstruction of the Grand Concourse Thursday.

The $50 million reconstruction project is set to begin this month. The project includes new sewers, more public space and a new lighting system. Merchants and community leaders are in favor of the redevelopment. However, some merchants are concerned about how construction might affect their businesses. Some community members worry the construction will affect the traffic flow and air quality in the area.

Elected officials say they will make sure the Department of Transportation handles all of the community?s concerns. They add they will work to find solutions to all of the potential problems during construction.