A Dodge dealership in Cornwall unexpectedly closed its doors, blaming the move on the recent recession that eviscerated the national auto industry.

"The mechanic told me that their checks bounced, and he went back to get paid and they said they had no money," says Ben Zohar, of Cornwall.

Joey Olsen, who runs a computer store across the street from Bernicker Dodge dealership, says the closure will negatively affect all Main Street businesses.

"There [are] less customers or people that know that I'm going to be here," Olsen says.

Local residents say the Dodge dealership is not the first business to fall victim to the recession. Driving downtown, one can see a dozen empty storefronts, some shuttered for years, others newly closed.

Anthony Scalise, the owner of Prima Pizza, says he has been riding out recessions for the past 50 years, and he is determined to stay afloat.

"There's temptation to close your doors, there's temptation to modify your hours, there's temptation to use cheaper products," Scalise says.

Repeated calls to the owners of Bernicker Dodge were not returned.