Since the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) commenced construction on Second Avenue for a new subway line in April 2007, local business owners struggle to stay onboard. The underground blasting, traffic rerouting and construction sites transformed uptown Second Avenue from a bustling, consumer-friendly neighborhood into a community eyesore.

Construction at 97th St. & 2nd Ave., courtesy of Mark Lyon. (March 2011)

Storeowners’ ability to survive may be further tested, as locals doubt the accuracy of the subway’s December 2016 completion date.  In a recent AM New York report, the Federal Transit Administration placed bets on a February 2018 finish.

Last July, the New York Times reported 29 closed businesses on Second Avenue between 63^rd and 96^th Streets. Since then, owners continue to close up shop, or at best, layoff employees.

Beach Café owner David Goodside told the Wall Street Journal earlier this week that business at his restaurant on 69^th Street and Second Avenue is down 30% since opening in 2008. He laid off four employees this past spring. Ralph Schaller of East 86^th Street’s Schaller & Weber Grocery told Crain’s he can relate.

“I guess business will improve when (the construction) is over,” Schaller, who recently fired an employee. “If we’re still around.”

While the MTA and the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce took joint initiative to encourage Second Avenue shopping with February’s “Shop 2^nd Avenue, It’s Worth It!” campaign, business owners see no reprieve as jobs and local businesses continue to fade.

WSJ suggested that as a result, neighboring First Avenue is experiencing a revival. Wine bar Felice and the famed 2^nd Avenue Deli are among upcoming openings on First Avenue this fall.

REVISED HEADLINE: 2nd Avenue Shops on Express Train to Unemployment