Construction delays keep Orlando couple from moving in to new home

ORLANDO, Fla. — An Orlando couple invested hundreds of thousands of dollars to build their dream retirement home, but they said the city let a second construction project get so far behind schedule, it’s blocking them from moving in.

For six months now, the construction project on Summerlin Avenue has prevented Cathy Alphin from moving into her new home.

“We are paying out of pocket, over $3,000 a month—expenses, mortgage payments on the house we cannot live in, utilities, and storage fees for all our goods,” Alphin said. “I’m beyond frustrated. I’m devastated.”

WFTV called city officials and were told the streetscape makeover is significantly behind schedule, and officials are not happy with Gomez Construction, the contractor responsible for the work.

The work on Summerlin Avenue is part of a bigger job, which doesn’t have penalties kicking in until September, if all phases of the job are not complete.

That leaves the Alphins caught in the middle. Moving companies can’t bring their big truck through the construction zone so for now, they’re unable to complete or move into their new home.

“Their answer is, ‘Gee, we’re sorry that you’re impacted, but nothing we can do about it,’” Alphin said.

WFTV tried to contact Gomez Construction but they did not return any calls.

WFTV