Business owners in East Harlem are warning that the MTA’s $8 billion Second Avenue Subway expansion is devastating local commerce, with reports of sales plummeting by as much as 70% in some shops. Construction disruptions, reduced foot traffic, and long-term closures have left many struggling to stay afloat amid the massive infrastructure overhaul. Residents and merchants alike are raising concerns over whether the project’s benefits will outweigh the immediate economic toll on the neighborhood. The debate highlights the broader challenges of balancing urban development with the survival of small businesses.
East Harlem business owners say the MTA's $8 billion Second Avenue Subway project is ruining their shops, with some seeing sales drop by up to 70%.
