Store owners along Second Avenue from 63rd Street to 96th Street say the disruption is far worse than they expected. The project started in 2007.
The New York Times reports that at least 30 stores along that stretch have closed. Owners say that while the down economy has played a role, the construction over the past few years has brought business down anywhere from 25 to 50 percent.
City officials say they've done what they could to minimize disruptions and encourage consumers to use Second Avenue businesses.
