Greenpoint’s Franklin Street was buzzing Tuesday morning, but inside Bakeri, co-owner Kristina Sigmund wasn’t celebrating. She’s one of 55 business owners who signed a letter to the MTA board this week, pushing the agency to move upcoming G train shutdowns from weekends to weeknights. The closures, set to hit hard next month and again in December, would disrupt service between Court Square and Church Avenue — a lifeline for weekend shoppers and diners.

“Weekends are everything for us,” Sigmund told NYC Pulse, glancing at a line of customers waiting on her wood-paneled counter. “If the G goes down, so do our sales. People just won’t come out.”

The letter, delivered Tuesday ahead of the MTA’s monthly board meeting, argues that suspending the line on weeknights instead would spare the small businesses that rely on weekend foot traffic. The group includes cafes, record stores, and boutiques along Nassau Avenue and Bedford, many of whom just started to recover from post-pandemic slowdowns.

MTA officials confirmed to NYC Pulse that work is slated for several weekends in June and again in December, citing track upgrades and signal repairs. “We understand the concerns, but weekend work allows us to finish faster and avoid overnight noise for residents,” said an MTA spokesperson. No final decision has been made on rescheduling.

The G is the only subway line that runs entirely within Brooklyn and Queens. On Saturday afternoons, the stretch between Metropolitan and Greenpoint hums with people headed to brunch, vintage shops, and McCarren Park. “We’ve been through enough,” said Sigmund. “Give us a break and do it at night.”

The MTA board is expected to discuss the proposal later this month. For now, business owners are bracing for another uncertain season — and keeping their fingers crossed for a schedule swap.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are Greenpoint business owners opposing the G train weekend shutdowns?

Greenpoint business owners oppose the G train weekend shutdowns because weekends are crucial for their sales, and losing subway service would significantly reduce customer foot traffic.

When are the G train shutdowns scheduled to happen?

The G train shutdowns are scheduled for several weekends in June and again in December.

What alternative are Greenpoint shops proposing to the MTA for the G train closures?

The business owners are asking the MTA to move the shutdowns from weekends to weeknights to protect weekend business.

What reasons does the MTA give for scheduling work on weekends instead of weeknights?

The MTA says weekend work allows them to finish faster and avoids overnight noise for residents.

Has the MTA made a final decision about rescheduling the G train shutdowns?

No final decision has been made on rescheduling the G train shutdowns.

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