‘Please compensate us’: Fed up small businesses around MSG say high profile street closures like Taylor Swift’s wedding aren’t fair

July 3, 2026 - 04:41

A group of small business owners near Madison Square Garden are pushing back against what they call unfair street closures for high-profile events, specifically pointing to Taylor Swift's recent wedding celebration. The closures, which block off major thoroughfares for hours at a time, have left local shops and restaurants struggling to stay afloat during peak hours.

"We are not against celebrities or big events, but we are against being forgotten," said one deli owner who has operated near the venue for over two decades. "When they shut down the streets for someone like Taylor Swift, we lose an entire day of revenue. We cannot afford that."

The business owners argue that while the city benefits from tourism and the prestige of hosting major stars, the immediate neighborhood suffers. Customers cannot reach their stores, delivery trucks are blocked, and foot traffic dries up completely. Many have sent letters to Swift's management team, requesting compensation for lost income during the closures.

"We are not asking for a handout. We are asking for fairness," another shopkeeper explained. "If the city wants to shut down our streets for a private party, then the person throwing that party should help pay our rent for that day."

The issue has sparked a broader conversation about how the city balances the needs of its residents and small businesses against the demands of celebrity culture. Some local politicians have expressed support for the business owners, suggesting a new policy that would require event organizers to contribute to a fund for affected businesses.

For now, the owners continue to wait for a response from Swift's team, hoping that the pop star will understand their plight. "We love her music. We just want to be able to keep our doors open," one business owner said.