A popular café on The Danforth could shut down for good if a new subway station exit/entrance opens next door.

Red Rocket Coffee at 1364 Danforth Ave., between Coxwell and Greenwood Aves., is adjacent to one of 10 locations being considered for the new access point.

Last week, the café’s owner Billy Dertilis, who is also the chairperson of the Danforth Mosaic Business Improvement Area, received a letter from the TTC informing him if 1366 Danforth Ave. is selected, the building he owns next door could be “impacted” and may need to be “acquired.” A recent engineering review also determined 1370 Danforth Ave. would need to be acquired for this option, which could also affect 1374 Danforth Ave.

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Even if Dertilis’s property isn’t expropriated, he said he fears his business might not be able to make it through a lengthy construction project. Six years ago, Red Rocket took a significant hit after moving to the area from Queen St. East.

“There’s no way we could survive (another hit),” said Dertilis, who said he expects several businesses near his shop would close their doors.

Determined to do something, he created a petition calling on the TTC to say no to the 1366 Danforth Ave. option. In just four days, more than 600 customers and community members pledged their support.

“What they’re saying is Red Rocket is part of the neighbourhood, the fabric of the community, and they don’t want to see it go,” said Dertilis, who also spoke at a Jan. 31 meeting on the project.

Josie Hughes lives nearby and said she “values” Red Rocket and doesn’t want to see it close.

“I am currently on mat leave, and otherwise work from home. Either way, it is important for me to get out of the house, and Red Rocket provides an important warm friendly shared space for my family and I,” she said.

Area resident Kate Dupuis said other sites should be considered.

“I think it is important for the second exit to be on The Danforth rather than Strathmore (Boulevard) or Monarch Park (Avenue) to help encourage foot traffic to the businesses on The Danforth, but there are a number of vacant storefronts in that area,” she said.

“Not sure why the TTC can’t look into building the exit there.”

Dertilis said he’s hopeful 1366 Danforth Ave. will not be identified as the preferred location for a number of reasons, including the fact it’s in a morning no-stop zone and directly in front of a T-intersection where many drivers do U-turns.

“It really doesn’t make sense to have the subway exit there,” he said.

Ward 29 Coun. Mary Fragedakis sits on the TTC board and said an open, community-led process is being undertaken to ensure the best location is selected.

“I believe the final result is one that will leave the community more empowered. It’s the best possible decision,” she said, adding she realizes not everyone will be happy with the final outcome.

“The volunteers on the working group take their job very seriously and want to make the right decision. It’s not a quick process.”

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The Toronto-Danforth representative said she appreciates there is concerns in the neighbourhood and is following the matter closely.

According to David Nagler, the TTC’s manager of community relations, the local working group is expected to provide the city’s transportation agency with its recommended location by the end of March along with full rankings for the 10 options put forward by community volunteers on the local working group. The group will make its choice based on five criteria: safety, local community impact, construction period, customer experience, and cost.

The last public meeting on the new Greenwood exit/entrance is set for April. A final decision on the location should be reached by May.