By Olivia Scheck
DNAinfo Reporter Producer
MANHATTAN — More than 90 businesses and building owners have been informed that their properties will be demolished to make way for two commuter train tunnels being built beneath 34th Street, the New York Times reported.
If the owners refuse, the city may be able to acquire the 14 buildings by invoking eminent domain.
"We’re going to make every effort to reach negotiated agreements with these property owners,” Stephen Sigmund, a spokesman for the Port Authority, told the Times.
The owners and tenants received letters last week saying that the buildings would be completely or partially destroyed to accommodate trains carrying New Jersey commuters, according to the paper.
Thew Hudson River Tunnel project involves the construction of a new terminal beneath the Macy's flagship store on 34th Street.
“The reality is, it’s going to happen,” Christine A. Moore, who runs a hat-making business out of one of the endangered buildings, told the Times. “But you need some time to adjust.”
Moore was also skeptical about the Port Authority's plan to find her a new location for her business, according to the paper.
“Where would you put me? Because I can’t go to Coney Island,” Moore complained to the Times. “I can’t operate a fashion business from Coney Island.”
The $8.7 billion project is the biggest public works project in the nation, the paper noted.
