Long Beach Businesses: LIRR Strike Would Hurt Bottom Line
LONG BEACH, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- As another round of negotiations between the MTA and the Long Island Rail Road unions wrapped up Wednesday and the threat of a strike looms in just four days, businesses near the Long Beach LIRR station say they're worried about the impact a strike could have.
Ebony Faigen said the people who take the train to Long Beach often stop at Tutti Frutti for frozen yogurt on the way to the beach or on their way home.
"We have certain times when people get off the train that we know there's going to be a rush," Faigen told 1010 WINS' Holli Haerr.
She and other businesses along West Park Avenue right near the Long Beach train station said a strike will hurt, even if it's short.
"Any sunny day, it doesn't matter if it's Saturday or Sunday, or Monday or Tuesday or Wednesday. Everyday it counts," said Marcos Ferman from Abe's Pitaria. "We don't have a train -- at least 60 percent of business down."
He said some businesses are still making repairs from Superstorm Sandy and a possible strike won't help.
"Some businesses are still fixing things, and you need money to cover that stuff," Ferman said.
Talks are set to continue at 10 a.m. Thursday.
If a deal isn't reached by the July 20 deadline, the MTA has put a contingency plan in place. Options for commuters include shuttle buses, ferries and car pools, but officials are also urging people to telecommute if possible.
For more on the MTA's contingency plan, click here.