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MOUNT VERNON, N.Y. - Mount Vernon residents said that the closing of the Fulton Avenue Bridge, which connects Mount Vernon and Pelham over the Hutchinson River, will have a big impact on their personal lives and businesses.
Sylvia Hazlehurst owns an HVAC business around the corner from the bridge. Hazlehurst said that her workers are used to using the bridge on a daily basis and since it was closed on Thursday they've been late.
"We had a job in Pelham and the bridge was the shortcut to get there," Hazlehurst said. "Now we have to go out of our way and it's time wasted."
Henry Wilson said that he is concerned for many of the youth of Mount Vernon who use the bridge by car or bus to get to work at the mall in nearby Pelham. Wilson said that many people will start shopping in the Bronx and New Rochelle rather than Pelham since it is now more convenient to reach.
"This may have a spiraling effect and people may lose their jobs," Wilson said.
Vincent Jackson said that the neglect of the bridge is an inconvenience for people and the businesses in the neighborhood.
"I was in the supermarket and the manager asked me to take a phone call from a delivery driver because he couldn't get through," Jackson said.
Wendy Jackson said that the pattern of neglect needs to stop.
"There is money in the budget for it so I don't know why the County Executive (Rob Astorino) doesn't support it."
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