Many New Yorkers joke that the Second Avenue Subway project has been in the works since 1904 when the subway first opened and will never be finished, but the city has promised construction will cease in 2016.

When construction began, Second Avenue’s businesses and residents have suffered it’s consequences. Countless businesses have closed due to the restricted sidewalk space, traffic and it’s noise has increased exponentially, and residents have long endured the noise, vibrations, and smoke from the construction.

Since most of the actual drilling and heavy work is almost complete, there has been a slight revival on the Upper East Side, where the construction has hit the hardest. Restaurants are occupying spaces that were left vacant due to the construction, units are finally renting again, and residents are happier not having to deal with the noise and hassle of constant construction.

I would write about the conflict itself in great detail, and then profile a resident and a restaurant who have since benefitted from the so-called “revival” of the Upper East Side around Second Avenue Subway construction.