MTA Faces Backlash Over Amazon Access Funding While Local Businesses Struggle

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is planning to allocate up to $120,000 to ensure continued access for an Amazon delivery hub during construction in the Bronx. This move has drawn criticism from East Harlem businesses, who claim the agency is not providing similar support for their own disruptions.

The MTA's expenditure will cover costs associated with a temporary access route for Amazon's 367,000-square-foot Morris Park delivery facility. These costs include Amazon's review and approval of the planned route, the creation of a temporary curb cut on Marconi Street, and an updated city Buildings Department site plan.

This temporary access is necessary because the MTA's Penn Station Access project will require periodic closures of Bassett Avenue, the sole entry and exit point for the Amazon facility. The construction involves building a new Metro-North station entrance and a pedestrian overpass.

East Harlem business owners expressed frustration over the MTA's prioritization of a large corporation's needs over theirs. Lu Nicaj, owner of Eagle Tile, stated that the transit agency's willingness to reimburse Amazon while refusing aid to local businesses is infuriating. "A trillion-dollar company they reimburse, but they don’t reimburse guys like me that need this money?" Nicaj asked, noting that construction for the Second Avenue Subway has led to a nearly 90% decrease in his store's reliance on contractor business.

Nicaj described how the MTA's construction efforts have impacted his business, including taking over his loading zone, obstructing access with barriers and equipment, and subsequently failing to provide promised assistance for customers picking up bulky orders. He lamented the destruction of his business, built over 35 years, while the MTA commits significant funds to Amazon. "$120,000 would help me move and relocate," he added.

Solomon Fresh, owner of Go Donut, reported a 70% drop in sales at his Second Avenue shop since construction began four months prior. He stated the MTA repeatedly told him they "can’t pay us anything," finding the situation "really disrespectful" and indicative of the agency's lack of concern for small businesses. Fresh is seeking relief, not necessarily the full $120,000, to help mitigate the impact of construction fences and noise that deter customers.

Previously, East Harlem merchants had informed The Post that the ongoing Second Avenue Subway expansion, a project estimated to cost nearly $8 billion, has resulted in narrower sidewalks, blocked loading areas, and a substantial decline in business.

The MTA maintains that it has been collaborating with East Harlem shops to lessen the effects of construction. In a statement, the agency indicated that officials are working with the NYC Department of Transportation to "try to identify alternative commercial loading and unloading space nearby."