The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is facing criticism for plans to spend up to $120,000 to maintain access to an Amazon facility in the Bronx during ongoing construction, while reportedly providing little assistance to small businesses affected by similar disruptions.

According to internal MTA documents, the funds would cover costs related to establishing a temporary access route for Amazon’s 367,000-square-foot distribution center in Morris Park. This measure is necessary because Bassett Avenue—the only access point to the facility—will face periodic closures while the MTA builds a new Metro-North station entrance and pedestrian overpass as part of the broader Penn Station Access project.

The decision to reimburse Amazon drew sharp rebuke from local small business owners in East Harlem, who argue that the agency has failed to support them amid comparable challenges caused by transit construction. Lu Nicaj, owner of Eagle Tile in the area, expressed frustration over the perceived disparity, noting that while the MTA opts to assist “a trillion-dollar company,” smaller operations like his have been left without aid. Nicaj referenced earlier construction related to the Second Avenue Subway, which encroached on his loading zone and obstructed access with barriers and equipment. Despite initial promises of support, he said the MTA has since been unresponsive.

East Harlem merchants contend that construction projects disrupt deliveries and customer access, threatening their ability to remain open, yet they have received limited or no financial assistance from the authority. In contrast, the planned reimbursement to Amazon highlights the MTA’s prioritization of corporate interests, according to critics.

The MTA has not publicly commented on the contrasting approaches to construction-related mitigation funding. The agency’s Penn Station Access initiative, aimed at improving commuter rail service by building new entrances and infrastructure, requires significant temporary street closures and logistical adjustments, which it says necessitate measures such as the temporary access route in the Bronx.

As subway and rail infrastructure projects continue across New York City, small businesses and large corporations alike face operational disruptions, but disputes over how the MTA allocates support and resources have underscored ongoing tensions between stakeholders affected by the construction.