MTA construction barrier greatly affecting Broadway businesses

At this rate, another two years will go by before construction is completed and the barrier is removed.”

Lou Porco, Broadway Joe’s Pizza owner.

A restoration project at the Van Cortlandt Park-242nd Street station, which is expected to benefit thousands of riders daily with new upgrades, has at the same time cost local businesses thousands of dollars in revenue.

Since September, a green construction barrier which stretches nearly an entire city block has contained the planned renovations currently in progress at the Van Cortlandt Park-242nd Street station, which services the 1 line and will feature several new improvements including a new two-stop elevator from the street to the platform level on the west side of Broadway upon completion

While it has separated the construction from pedestrian traffic, the green barrier has simultaneously isolated several nearby Broadway businesses between West 242nd Street and Manhattan College Parkway and has made the secluded row of businesses less safe.

Nearly six months since construction began, the green construction barricade has continued to confine the Broadway businesses, seemingly separating them from the rest of the neighborhood, leaving business owners up in arms and searching for answers.

“It hasn’t only affected sales here — it’s become a security issue,” Shamrock Wines & Liquors store clerk Danny said, who requested his last name not be used in this story to avoid retaliation from the MTA.

“Nobody can see anything that’s going on from the other side (of the construction barrier) so they just take the bottles and run,” Danny said about their 5995 Broadway establishment.

The green MTA wall not only obstructs, but almost completely blocks the view of these establishments from any passerby walking in the area, except for a few business awnings. 

Another business affected by the barrier, Gourmet Market & Bagel, next door to the liquor store at 5993 Broadway, said they have seen noticeably less customers since the construction barrier was installed.

Business owner Lou Porco, whose establishment Broadway Joe’s Pizza has operated at 5983 Broadway since 1969, said the MTA has been stagnant with this particular project, which has been idle for more than four months.

“They (the MTA) stopped their subway work sometime during Columbus Day and haven’t done anything since,” Porco said. “It’s just been a real inconvenience.”

The construction barrier has also eliminated parking spots located in front of these establishments, leaving all vehicles to double-park along Broadway on the other side of the barrier as the next most convenient option for motorists.

Porco added some of his customers told him, “I don’t want to get a parking ticket just for buying a pizza.”

Broadway Joe’s Pizza has experienced a 30 percent decline since the construction barrier was installed in September, according to Porco.

He clarified he is not opposed to the elevator installation, especially for those who need it such as handicapped individuals. Rather, he is frustrated with how the MTA has been seemingly inactive in moving construction forward at this location.

“At this rate, another two years will go by before construction is completed and the barrier is removed,” Porco said.

With multiple businesses having closed since the construction barrier was installed, it’s not as simple as moving new businesses in.

“With this [construction barrier] here, who’s going to rent out these stores now?” Porco asked.

The MTA confirmed they have worked with the local community to mitigate potential impacts of the project including installing lighting along the work zone and posting signs reminding folks businesses in the area remain open.

“Accessibility improvements at the Van Cortlandt Park-242nd St station will be transformative for the 5,000 riders who rely on it every day and bring the MTA closer to our goal of making the system accessible for all,” MTA Spokesperson Meghan Keegan said.

Other improvements set to be implemented at the Van Cortlandt Park-242nd Street station include staircase and canopy replacements from street to platform level on the west side of Broadway and a new ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) raised boarding area in the center platform, along with other infrastructure and station environment improvements.

Permanent pedestrianization of the Manhattan College Parkway Ramp, which would eliminate vehicle use, along with a new MTA Art & Designation work in platform wind screens, are also planned as part of the subway station’s renovation project.

Keegan, who said the MTA has delivered projects better, faster and cheaper than ever before, added the MTA will continue to provide updates as the project progresses.

The accessibility project at the Van Cortlandt-242nd St station is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.

The MTA encourages any businesses, community stakeholders and members of the public to contact the MTA directly with any questions or concerns about the project at (407) 462-7057 or ada5outreach@mtacd.org.