NEW YORK, NY January 11, 2008 —REPORTER: Councilman Dan Garodnick says several hundred businesses located on 2nd Avenue face losses because of construction work and reduced foot traffic.

Eddie Crowe opened the Crowe's Nest restaurant last spring, before construction began. Now, business is down and once the weather warms, he won't be able to seat customers on the sidewalk.

CROWE: People love to sit outside when the weather's nice, so instead of coming to me or anyone else on 2nd, they have the option of going to 3rd Avenue or 1st Avenue, or below 91st Street. That really cut into my business plan hugely.

REPORTER: Councilman Garodnick wants city residents to ignore the construction and patronize 2nd Avenue businesses.

Another official, Assemblyman Jonathan Bing, is working to secure state funding to assist local shops.