NEW YORK -- Unprecedented traffic delays in and around the New York City area in the aftermath of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks here have caused some food delivery delays.
However, supermarket retailers in the area told SN recently that in the interest of safety they are more than willing to live with the stringent new safety and security measures, especially for truck traffic.
"There have been some delays, but really no major problems," said John Catsimatidis, chairman, president and CEO of the Red Apple Group here, operators of Gristede's Foods.
"I have no problem at all with the added security," said Noah Katz, vice president, PSK Supermarkets, operators of Foodtown, Mount Vernon, N.Y.
New York City police have taken to beefing up security at all bridge and tunnel connections into the city, especially in regards to truck traffic. Spot checks of truck cargo are delaying traffic.
Moreover, last week city officials, in an effort to ease the traffic congestion, instituted a ban on cars coming into the city between 6 a.m. and noon with only one passenger.
However, Catsimatidis and Katz said they are more than willing to live with delays if it is in the best interests of the safety and security.
"We are dealing with it," Katz said. "We are being real patient with all they have to do to protect us."
Katz said he felt the New York-area police have done "a superb job" keeping everyday activities running.
