Lindsay Tanney

•

Feb 26, 2025, 6:34 AM

•

Updated

More Stories

02:22

Luxury Bridgeport apartment complex comes with rents as high as nearly $10k

02:34

Made in Connecticut: Leather Man Ltd./Eliza B.

00:21

Car crashes into Aldi on Monroe Turnpike

02:12

Made in the Hudson Valley: Woman with autism aims to inspire those with disabilities through Flappy Hands Creations

02:36

Bridgeport business owner gives back by hiring fellow citizens who were formerly incarcerated

01:52

Hudson Valley bride out $1,500 after wedding videography company shuts down

Several businesses along Broadway in Fieldston report slowed foot traffic since a construction barrier was installed back in September.

The barrier is for an MTA project that will add an elevator at the Van Cortlandt Park-242nd Street station.

People say they're excited for the accessibility upgrade but are upset it's costing the neighboring businesses thousands.

Abu Algazali, manager of Gourmet Market & Bagel, says they're two months behind on rent and they had to fire several employees to cut costs.

A few doors down at Broadway Joe's Pizza, owner Louie Porco tells News 12 that business is down about 40%.

"People are not stopping anymore because there's no place to park. They can't pull over," said Porco. "It's horrible. It's killing us."

Business owners say they're struggling to stay afloat while this construction barrier blocks their storefront.

They blame the lack of visibility and parking options for the reasons why people are not coming in.

The MTA tells News 12 it installed lights along the work zone and signs saying businesses are open.

The project is expected to be complete in the fourth quarter of 2026.

It encourages those with questions or concerns about the project to reach out at 407-461-7057 or ada5outreach@mtacd.org.