Progress for the future is tough going today

After decades of discussion, the construction of the Second Avenue Subway is underway. Once its completed, years from now, it will be a huge boom for coop and condo owners on York, First and Second Avenues that have been penalized because their walk to the 6 train is so far.

On the other hand...building a subway is a messy job and right now Second Avenue looks like a war zone. Retailers up and down the avenue from East 96th Street to East 63rd Street are suffering. Sidewalk cafes are closed, hair dressers, dry cleaners, bars and restaurants have all become almost invisible behind the huge pieces of equipment and safety walls.

The city is supposed to be helping all these small business owners but the funds have been slow in coming. Meanwhile, employees are losing their jobs, stores are closing up and landlords are sitting with empty and un-rentable store fronts.

The long term goal is great but the short term results are awful.