Posted by To say times are tough at Delizia Pizzeria on Second Avenue is an understatement. Owner Giuseppe Pecora says business is off seven to 10 percent in an industry that already operates on thin margins.
“I had to take my outdoor café down,” Pecora said. “It cost me over a hundred thousand dollars to build, and $21,000 to take down. And I’ve seen my regular customers, they’re not coming as much.”
It’s no understatement to say Pecora is one of the lucky ones since he’s still in business. Merchants say at least 10 stores have closed down along Second Avenue thanks to construction on Phase One of the subway, which will run from 96th to 63rd streets.
According to a recent survey by Public Advocate Betsy Gotbaum, the majority of businesses in the area are in danger of closing. The survey also shows nearly half of the business owners have laid off workers.
