LIRR AND MTA TAKE OVER ASCAN AVENUE – KILLING BUSINESSES

MTA don’t even work 30 hours a week 

The White Radish American Kitchen, Daikon Sushi Bar, Heena Bagel and King Wok, all small businesses on Ascan Avenue, offer the locals in Forest Hills breakfast, indoor dining and take out. Eateries like these operate on small margins due to high operational costs like rent, labor, utilities and food.

In the summer of 2024, extensive renovations were set to begin right in front of these three establishments, as part of the MTA’s capital plan to renovate the LIRR in Forest Hills to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). However, snafus with congestion pricing, the anticipated funding source, halted the project. However, the construction mess remained, severely impacting the businesses despite no work being performed.  The White Radish was particularly impacted because its storefront was completely blocked. And even those who found the White Radish usually passed by not wanting to look at a construction site and porta potty while dining. Then after several calls to the MTA last summer, the construction was dismantled in August 2024. The businesses breathed a sigh of relief. But it was short lived.

Much to the businesses chagrin, the construction site is back and expanded. Congestion pricing is back on and funding the project. Paul Singh, the owner of the White Radish, has invested his heart, dreams and a lot of money into his business. He employees dozens of hard-working individuals. Unfortunately, due to this capital project, he is about to lose everything. And the sad part is, no one cares. The only consolation offered by the MTA and LIRR is better signage on the horrid hunter green fencing. Mr. Singh had opened a second restaurant next to the White Radish, Daikon Sushi Bar, just before the new construction appeared. Now he is on the brink of financial ruin because the customers do not know about his restaurants or, more likely, do not want to eat next to a porta potty and dumpster.

Mr. Singh had a zoom meeting with some of the honchos in the MTA and LIRR, including Joseph O’Donnell, Margo Cargill, Nick Fasano and Diane Nardi, Esq., however, they refused to agree move the construction site, despite there being room on other parts of Ascan Avenue. They also refused to consult with a company that makes construction sites aesthetically pleasing, like Urban Umbrella. They complained about funding and having to work on a budget, which means the local businesses either go under completely or experience tremendous financial losses. The capital project is expected to last two years. Mr. Singh is resigned that his restaurants are going to fail, and he may need bankruptcy protection. He personally guaranteed a loan for Daikon Sushi Bar. Had he been aware that the construction site was coming back, Mr. Singh may have done things differently. He had no idea.

Mr. Singh is not just losing revenue—he is about to lose everything.

Mr. Singh’s once-thriving restaurant now sits nearly empty. Customers can’t reach the entrance without a long walk around concrete and fencing and parking is nonexistent. The whole side of the street is blocked. Mr. Singh was approved for outdoor dining; however, it is impossible to have among the construction, which has taken over the street. The callousness of the MTA and LIRR is beyond words. Since construction started last month, sales have dropped drastically, making it impossible for Mr. Singh to cover rent, payroll, and operational costs. His employees fear losing their jobs. The financial pressure is suffocating, and eviction is a real threat. Action is needed NOW—the MTA and LIRR has turned its back on small businesses. Mr. Singh is calling on local and state authorities, including the NYC Council, Borough President’s Office, and Governor’s Office, to step in. He seeks compensation, rent relief, or direct financial assistance to keep his business alive. The city and state cannot allow a government-funded project to destroy local entrepreneurs without accountability. If action isn’t taken soon, Mr. Singh won’t be the only business to disappear because of this reckless construction project.

 

Small businesses are the heart of any local economy. In the U.S., small businesses make up 99.9% of all businesses and employ more than half of the nation's workforce [Small Business Administration, 2020]. When small businesses struggle, so does our community and economy.
We are asking for your support to influence the LIRR and MTA to reconsider their decision or provide us with adequate compensatory measures, hence ensuring the survival of our businesses and continuing to enrich the community spirit of Forest Hills. Stand with the The White Radish, Daikon Sushi Bar, Heena Bagel, and King Wok and sign this petition today! SAVE & SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESSES