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From high-rise apartments<\/a> to water<\/a> and gas line<\/a> replacements, Ann Arbor is no stranger to lengthy construction projects<\/a>. Closures<\/a> of many of the city\u2019s roads and sidewalks has not only created additional obstacles for pedestrians, but is placing strain on some of Ann Arbor\u2019s businesses.\u00a0<\/p>\n In downtown Ann Arbor, a transit infrastructure project<\/a> has torn up the asphalt of South Fourth Avenue, East William Street and East Washington Street. In an interview with The Michigan Daily, Laura Horwath, owner of Ferne Boutique<\/a>, said she believes the ongoing construction eliminates and undermines the small business appeal that draws people downtown.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cI think it can definitely deter people from coming here,\u201d Horwath said. \u201cI just think so many of the businesses downtown are independently owned; that\u2019s the charm of coming here. So when you see a bunch of streets closed, you might not want to park and walk around.\u201d<\/p>\n Horwath said navigating around the construction sites has been particularly challenging, and communication from city officials has been poor.\u00a0<\/p>\n