Businesses surrounding Brooklyn\u2019s Atlantic Terminal say they\u2019re bracing for a major financial hit as a potential strike on the Long Island Rail Road looms.<\/p>\n
The shutdown comes after weeks of tense negotiations between the MTA and union leaders \u2014 a conflict News 12 has been tracking closely, including earlier reports where the MTA warned that a strike would create \u201csignificant regional disruption\u201d and union representatives insisted they were \u201cprepared to stand firm\u201d on contract demands.<\/p>\n
From the street vendors outside the terminal to the restaurants and small shops lining Atlantic Avenue, the anxiety is growing. Many rely heavily on the 300,000 daily riders who pass through the LIRR system \u2014 a mix of white\u2011 and blue\u2011collar commuters whose absence would be felt immediately.<\/p>\n
Greg Yerman, owner of Burrito Bar, says the uncertainty is already affecting business planning.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe more feet on the street, the more exposure we get, the busier we are. A lot of our customers live in different boroughs on the island, and if they can\u2019t get here, it affects our business,\u201d Yerman says.<\/p>\n
He says his business has been operating for 20 years in Downtown Brooklyn and does not recall any strikes taking place during that time, adding he is not eager to find out the exact effects it will have on the community of restaurants and small businesses in the area. <\/p>\n