The Gold Line extension into East Los Angeles promises to carry development and prosperity into an area long troubled by poverty and blight.

But some business owners along the neighborhood’s busy 3rd Street, where a large section of the six-mile, above-ground rail line is being built, say the roadwork and street closures have all but halted commerce in the area. Some merchants say they have been forced to skip rent payments and lay off employees.

They even wonder whether they will be around to see the train whiz by.

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