Newarki is not an easy place to do business. There are issues of poverty and security that never seem to go away. Yet in the district the parallels the train lines there is are thriving sports, arts and entertainment venues, anchored at one end by the Prudential Center. The lockout isn't helping area businesses stay alive.

Some feel threatened. "There’s no doubt we benefit from any event at Prudential Center. The lockout definitely matters to us and impacts those days when games are played," said restaurant owner Tami Brown, who routinely adds "five, five and five" employees — servers, bartenders, kitchen help" for big events.

As for fans, Fred Kerber quotes one this way: "We look forward to going. I would miss it," Renato Reboa said. "But I wouldn’t be devastated."

• NBA lockout fragrant foul for Newark businesses - Fred Kerber - New York Post