New York CIty Council Member Ben Kallos

Second Avenue Subway Construction

<P>The East Side of Manhattan is currently undergoing one of the most significant construction projects in decades -- the creation of the long-awaited Second Avenue subway. The construction has begun and will eventually run through parts of most of Manhattan. While the Second Avenue Subway will eventually bring much needed transportation improvements to the East Side, it is currently having a substantially negative effect on local businesses.</P>
<P>As former Chief of Staff for <A HREF="https://kallosforcouncil.com/experience#New York State Assembly">Assembly Member Jonathan L. Bing</A>, I had the opportunity to work on drafting the <A HREF="http://assembly.state.ny.us/leg/?default_fld=&bn=A10594&term=2007&Summa… Avenue Subway Construction Economic Development Grant Program</A>, as well as working the MTA and Second Avenue Business Association to launch the Shop Second Avenue campaign. While this bill originally passed both houses, it was vetoed by the Governor and has not passed both since. I will reintroduce the legislation on a City level and continue to fight to keep and grow jobs in the district.</P>

DNAinfo.com Struggling Second Ave. Businesses Need Financial Aid, Councilman Says by Lindsay Armstrong

Struggling Second Ave. Businesses Need Financial Aid, Councilman Says
Lindsay Armstrong

City Councilman Ben Kallos is hoping to secure funds to help business owners like Pecora by creating grants for small businesses that have been negatively affected by municipal construction projects like the Second Avenue subway project.

Since construction started, Second Avenue businesses have struggled with decreased foot traffic, high noise levels and excess dust and debris.

“Anyone who lives in the district knows that stores have closed,” Kallos said. “Some have seen losses of 25 percent or more. Even businesses like the Beach Café, which has been here for almost 50 years, are struggling.”

According to Kallos's proposal, small businesses located within 150 feet of municipal construction sites would be eligible to apply for grants if they could show a 10 percent reduction in taxable income compared to the year before construction began. Businesses could seek funds for both physical improvements, like soundproof windows and improved ventilation systems, and for marketing and advertising efforts to reach more customers. In some cases, businesses would also be able to seek funds for payroll and rental assistance.