Election 2020: Wary Businesses Remain Boarded Up As Election Remains Unresolved
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- In the aftermath of Election Night, it has remained peaceful - so far - on New York City streets.
But many business are still concerned as the vote count continues.
CBS2's Andrea Grymes took a look at some of the extra precautions that are still being taken.
On 34th Street in Midtown, there are numerous stores boarded up.
Between that and the pandemic, you'd barely recognize this major thoroughfare in the city.
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It's not just Midtown. Business owners still remain on edge with potential election unrest.
Election Day may be over but the drilling of plywood is not among worried businesses. Alexandro Furniture is just one of them, adding to their plywood storefront on the Grand Concourse off Fordham Road in the Bronx.
"This kills our business but there's nothing else we can do," said Jimmy Mansour of Alexandro Furniture Store.
"How long do you think you're gonna keep it up?" Grymes asked.
"Couple of weeks, until see what happens," Mansour said.
Businesses are still bracing for any potential looting or unrest since the presidency results still hang in the balance. They're taking extra precautions, because the area was looted after the death of George Floyd in police custody in Minneapolis back in May.
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Security guard Male Santiago says they're adding more guards for the next week.
"There's gonna be some security officers in the nighttime here, over nights, walking up and down," Santiago said.
Manhattan buildings are taking the most precautions. Landmarks like the Empire State Building remain boarded, along with many other major retailers and mom and pop shops.
"I hope they will last, they will stay up only two or three days," said Mario Messina, president of the 29th Street Neighborhood Association in Midtown.
Messina says it's the latest blow to the area which is already reeling from the pandemic.
"There is uneasiness. people are scared. They don't know what's going to happen in the next couple of hours," he said.
Mayor Bill de Blasio again Wednesday sought to reassure New Yorkers the city is prepared for any potential protests.
"Of course we have to be ready for any situation. I think it is a good sign that the entire country went through early voting and election day almost without any incidents," the mayor said.
There were no major problems Election Night. The NYPD has said they do not expect any widespread looting or property damage this time.
Still, businesses Grymes spoke with say they're going to keep their guard up at least for the next week.
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