Ongoing waterline work hurting New Rochelle businesses, owners say
Small shop owners along various parts of Webster Avenue where work is ongoing say construction is destroying their businesses.
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Massive waterline pipes and other construction materials line Webster Avenue in New Rochelle.
The eyesores are being stored there as Veolia works through an ongoing project to improve service reliability and help the company meet the increased demand for water in the city.
But small shop owners along various parts of the road where work is ongoing say construction is destroying their businesses.
"My business is completely empty," Cafe Veracruz owner Raymundo Castillo says. "Nobody parks here, nobody can pass by."
Cafe Veracruz owner Raymundo Castillo is one of several business owners and homeowners who are raising concerns.
They say the construction materials are taking up valuable parking spots, blocking people from finding their businesses and making the sidewalks less safe for pedestrians.
"We pay rent, we pay taxes, I pay my employees, but we're not making money anymore because when everybody sees all of this, they can't park here so they don't want to stop by," Aventura Deli & Grocery owner Milton Calle says.
The group of business owners is asking Veolia to find another place to store the materials for the long-term project.
"I want them to finish this once and for all," Alessias Floral co-owner Sammy Loprete says. "Take everything out. Let us be able to work."
Others want the city to pave over parts of Webster where work has already been completed to improve safety and reduce noise instead of waiting until the entire project is complete.
"This cannot continue like this. We are fed up with the situation," New Rochelle resident Steve Didonato says.
Veolia spokesperson Bill Madden told News 12 in a statement, "We have been working closely with city officials to minimize the impact of this major infrastructure improvement project on our customers. The materials that are currently located at 336 Webster Ave. will be moved soon and road paving is planned in November."
A spokesperson for the city has not yet responded to News 12's request for comment.
