The slow-chugging Second Avenue project is kicking up dust that is settling all over the profit margins of Upper East Side businesses.
The oft delayed construction project is responsible for layoffs at dozens of area businesses, according to a survey of 59 shops, the Post reported.
More than 90 percent of businesses near the project say they have sold less since the MTA started the 4.8 million work in 2007, according to the Post.
One-third say they will have to shut their doors before the scheduled completion date, July 2017, Public Advocate Betsy Gotbaum told the paper. And nearly half of the 59 places polled said they have laid off workers as a result of the new subway project.
Merchants say the noise, blocked sidewalks and constant construction have driven customers to other neighborhoods.
