Local businesses feel like they are being treated as “second-class” citizens.
The ongoing construction for the Second Avenue Subway is severely impacting small businesses in East Harlem. Shop owners expressed their frustration, stating that the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is acting like “brutes,” disregarding the harm caused to their operations.
This nearly $8 billion project aims to extend the Q train deeper into East Harlem by 2032, but many merchants believe the MTA is treating their businesses as mere collateral damage. They feel suffocated by construction barriers, heavy equipment, and increasing legal hurdles.
“They’re brutes. They have no respect, no nothing,” remarked Jimmy Mateus, who owns Casa Ricardo’s Steakhouse near East 111th Street.
Mateus described the situation: “They’ll blast these pile drivers right in front of your restaurant. They could care less. They’ve reduced the sidewalk outside my restaurant from 15 feet to 6 feet, making it really difficult for customers to wait outside, which has driven sales down by about 40% this year.” He mentioned spending over $1 million battling MTA-related legal issues, including disputes over vibration monitors installed on his property.
“They send you these lawsuits that are 4-inches thick,” he added. “You don’t even want to complain, because you don’t want to be on their bad side. I worry they’ll make things even harder for me.”
Just a few blocks away, Lu Nicaj, the owner of Eagle Tile, noted that construction has decimated nearly 90% of his contractor business. He described how the MTA took over his loading zone and blocked access with barriers—promises for a pickup area for customers never materialized.
The MTA claims its outreach team has engaged with businesses in the construction zone, although it hasn’t addressed accusations of neglecting Nicaj’s concerns.
“East Harlem has waited generations for this project, and we’re committed to being consistent, accessible neighbors as we deliver it,” an MTA spokesperson stated. However, Nicaj expressed disappointment, saying it’s been nothing but silence since that promise.
“I was a thriving business before the MTA came along, and they’ve ruined everything,” he lamented. “We’ve served the neighborhood for over 35 years.”
At Go Donut, a relatively new shop at Second Avenue and East 119th Street, owner Solomon Fresh reported a 70% drop in sales since MTA construction began. He struggles with fencing that blocks the sidewalk and loud generators that make it hard for customers to enjoy their experience.
“People can’t find my store because of how blocked off it is,” Fresh explained. “Sometimes, it’s so loud you can’t even hear yourself think.” While he supports the new subway line, he feels neglected by the MTA.
“You’ve got $8 billion for this project, but no budget to support the businesses suffering during construction?” he questioned.
Fresh, who grew up in East Harlem, opened his shop to set a positive example for his community. He’s disheartened that this project is threatening his aspirations. “I want to show kids they can do something beyond music or sports. You can start a business and make it thrive, so I’m upset. I’m really mad,” he said.
