They have survived the pandemic, but a pair of Williamsburg restaurants say an MTA construction project could be the reason they shut their doors.
Pomp and Circumstance, near the corner of Lorimer Street and Metropolitan Avenue, says it sees potential for its demise.
"The project timeline is slated to begin in four weeks and that is the beginning of our outdoor dining season, which we were all looking forward to," said owner Melissa Morales.
Morales says an MTA construction project to build an elevator and two new staircases for the subway on the corner will take away their only lifeline - six outdoor dining seats.
Jorge Boetto, owner of Zona Rosa across the street, says he will also lose his outdoor setup, and says the impact on the businesses has not been considered.
The MTA said in a statement, "...We're working closely with communities to minimize the short-term impacts from construction. The Metropolitan Av-Lorimer St. complex is one of the busiest and most critical in Brooklyn, serving more than 60,000 daily riders before the pandemic, and once this work to improve accessibility at the complex is done the entire community will reap the benefits..."
A Community Board 1 transportation meeting will be held April 6, where the restaurant owners say they hope to discuss alternatives to location and timeline for the project.