While construction on the Second Avenue Subway has brought excessive noise, hoards of flies, decreased revenue for local businesses and walking hazards for pedestrians, residents on the Upper East Side might as well get used to it.
Maybe 86th Street can ask 72nd Street for some advice on how to cope.
DNAinfo reports that blasting is expected to begin for the Second Avenue Subway around 86th Street in April, and will continue through November 2013, according to MTA officials. Residents are hopeful that the lessons learned from complaints and issues thus far will help ease the burden for 86th Street.
Among the biggest complaints, Upper East siders near the construction have been complaining of coughing and respiratory illness from dust and debris. The ailment has been dubbed "Second Avenue Cough."
However, at a hearing of the Second Avenue Task Force Thursday night, the MTA repeated that there is no danger to the public health.
"The data shows we are not causing any current or future threat to the people around Second Avenue," Dr. Michael Horadniceanu told the assembly of concerned residents, NBC New York reports.
Tests on the area have been performed and monitors found no toxic chemicals above EPA standards.
Those in attendance were less than convinced.
"It's the Second Avenue Cough," said Susan Raab. "I definitely have respiratory problems."
For more on this story, visit DNAinfo and NBC New York.
