Business Owners Protest Second Ave. Subway Impact

By [Laura Shin] East Side merchants and local residents gathered at 91st Street on the afternoon of Oct. 24 to protest the negative impact of Second Avenue Subway construction on their businesses and the community. â??It"s all I have. I cannot give up my life, said Tae Shin, owner of Eve"s Nail Salon and a Subway franchise between 92nd and 93rd streets. Shin came to America 25 years ago from South Korea and said that he"s worked hard to open his two shops. He claims that business at his stores is down 40 to 50 percent since the construction project broke ground three years ago. He said that he works 12 hours a day, seven days a week, and is struggling to keep his businesses open. Originally set for completion in 2013, the project is now due to be finished in 2017. At the protest, The Second Avenue Business Association demanded legislation for business owners so that they receive financial assistance for lost income due to the construction delay. â??Small businesses are the heart and soul of the city"s economy, said Civil Rights attorney Norman Siegel at the rally, adding that 31 businesses between 63rd and 96th streets have closed since the project started. He said that the noise, dust and obstructed sidewalks have all negatively affected businesses. â??If action is not taken, we will need to give serious consideration to litigation, Siegel said. â??But litigation is expensive and time-consuming. So, let"s do the right thing and convince government to pass the needed legislation and do the things that are required to support these businesses. The merchants are also demanding a Real-Estate Tax Abatement, a sales tax-free zone and improved sanitary conditions. One owner said there is increased garbage on the street and rats in the area. Limited parking and lack of visibility have also driven away customers, the owners said. Marcello Ronchini, owner of Nina"s Argentinean Pizzeria, said that his business has fallen 10 to 15 percent since construction began. He said the construction workers use jackhammers at about 8 p.m. every night in front of his store, peak business hours, and that it drives away customers. Ronchini said he started the Second Avenue Business Association, but is no longer active because he became frustrated with the lack of results. He now works extra hours and is struggling to support his 2-year-old son. Working longer days is common among the business owners. Peter Yoo, owner of Buddha BeeBQ near 91st Street, said he works close to 80 hours a week and his restaurant is at serious risk of shutting down. â??Our lease will be up by the time MTA is done, Yoo said. â??They need to make it possible for us to make a living now.