News Summary
East Harlem is experiencing major disruption as the MTA begins the second phase of the Second Avenue Subway. This $1.9 billion project will lead to property seizures affecting local businesses and residents, including the closure of Tile Stone, a long-standing construction supply firm. Families, such as the Diego family, are being forced to relocate, and many express concerns about the financial and emotional toll of these changes. Amidst the MTA’s efforts to improve transit access, community stability is at stake.
East Harlem is bracing for significant upheaval as the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) moves forward with the construction of the second phase of the Second Avenue Subway, which is set to impact local businesses and residents alike. The MTA has approved a $1.9 billion contract for this phase, necessitating legal property seizures to make way for new subway stations at 116th and 125th Streets. Among those affected is Tile Stone, a construction supply firm that has been a fixture in East Harlem for over 30 years, which is slated to close due to the MTA’s decision to seize its lot at 2244 Second Avenue under the principle of eminent domain.
The owner, Lu Nicaj, is preparing for the closure and has already moved 75% of his inventory to a warehouse upstate. The need for this relocation arises from the MTA’s seizure of his rented lot, which was essential for storing his supplies. Nicaj’s operations are now seriously compromised, forcing him to vacate an area that has been central to his business activities.
The MTA’s eminent domain actions will not only disrupt commercial enterprises but will also affect approximately 33 apartments in the vicinity. The Diego family, long-time residents of East Harlem, recently received a “90-Day Residential Vacancy Notice” from the MTA, compelling them to relocate by October 15 to facilitate the construction of a new subway station. This home is among at least 19 properties being acquired as part of the subway expansion project.
With the impending relocation, the Diego family is facing significant challenges. Many of the apartments advised by the MTA’s real estate agent come with rental prices that exceed their current rent of $2,900, complicating their situation further. There are concerns regarding the financial burden associated with moving to a potentially more expensive housing option, particularly for family members who may need to change schools due to the relocation.
The MTA has allocated $10 million for assistance with relocations during the initial phase of the subway extension and claims to have exceeded federal requirements for providing support to displaced residents. However, many, including the Diego family, feel overwhelmed and the lack of advance notice has left them feeling unprepared for the upcoming changes.
Tile Stone’s challenges reflect a broader worry among other local businesses in the area, including nearby stores like Eagle Tile, which fear that construction will hinder customer access and ultimately impact their revenue. Lu Nicaj expressed disappointment about the changes in East Harlem, suggesting that the impacts could be much more substantial than those experienced during past construction on the Upper East Side.
Set against the backdrop of these pressing concerns is the MTA’s larger goal: the construction of a new subway extension projected to cost $7.7 billion. This project aims to bring essential public transit to one of New York City’s poorest neighborhoods, which has historically lacked sufficient subway access. However, the financial and emotional toll of displacement on local families and businesses poses a serious concern as this ambitious project unfolds.
Background context highlights that the MTA has historically faced criticism for how its expansion projects affect local communities. Opponents have raised alarms over the need for transparency and adequate support, especially in areas with vulnerable populations. With East Harlem now under the microscope, the balance between improving transit infrastructure and preserving community stability is at the forefront of the ongoing discourse surrounding the Second Avenue Subway expansion.
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Additional Resources
- Gothamist: East Harlem Families Facing Eviction
- Wikipedia: Second Avenue Subway
- New York Post: Second Avenue Subway Expansion Impact
- Google Search: Second Avenue Subway
- Crain’s New York: MTA Awards Contract for Subway Construction
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Metropolitan Transportation Authority
- Gothamist: MTA Moves Ahead with Subway Extension
- Google News: MTA Second Avenue Subway
Author: STAFF HERE NEW YORK WRITER
NEW YORK STAFF WRITER The NEW YORK STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewYork.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New York, the five boroughs, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as New York Fashion Week, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and Tribeca Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce and United Way of New York, plus leading businesses in finance and media that power the local economy such as JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, and Bloomberg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBuffalo.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into New York's dynamic landscape.
