Michelle Archambault Alexander ·erdotSosnpitc8agmll87c6mch7c75419192iff888300m36m85u631fh3g9 ·
CHPE has now formally responded to the documented impacts on small businesses along the Route 9W corridor and has denied that those impacts warrant any compensation. Despite 49 submitted reports and almost 100 businesses reporting losses totaling over $13 million, their position is that, because Route 9W remained “open and accessible,” businesses were not significantly affected. For those of us who experienced the reality of construction over the past year, we know that “technically open” did not mean business as usual. Customer traffic declined. Access was confusing or limited. Visibility was reduced. And for some, the impact was severe enough to lead to closure. CHPE has pointed to broader financial commitments made to municipalities and other entities, but no direct support was ever provided to the small businesses most affected. This issue has now been formally submitted to the New York State Public Service Commission for review. We are also encouraged to see additional support building at the county and local level, with leaders recognizing the need for review and mitigation on behalf of small businesses impacted by CHPE construction. This kind of alignment is critical. The more voices, especially from those in leadership, the stronger the case becomes for meaningful consideration and action.