The ongoing investigation has left several streets closed to both vehicle and foot traffic. Tara Lynn Wagner spoke to people who live or work around 23rd Street to find out how the closures are affecting them and the area.
The emptiness of 23rd Street Sunday morning was a stark contrast from the chaos Saturday night.
"I saw people running toward us and they were injured, they were like full with blood," said witness Diana Shubaiev.
"People running, screaming, holding their heads," said Jonathan Avidor, who lives across the street from the explosion site.
Avidor lives directly across the street. He spent the night with friends and as of Sunday morning had yet to return to his apartment.
"(It) shook the house and threw the mirror off the wall onto the floor," Avidor said.
His block is a crime scene as the investigation into Saturday's explosion left much of West 23rd Street and several side streets completely closed. To gain entry, residents needed an escort, which some said was an inconvenience, but not a bother.
"Right now, it's ok," said neighborhood denizen Rake Rosenfeld. "I'm not complaining. I mean I can't get into my apartment so if anyone could complain it would be me but I'm okay with it as long as everyone is safe that's the main concern."
Anyone else was turned away, which meant no clients for local businesses, aside from a visit from the mayor and governor as they toured the site of the explosion. Some businesses stayed shuttered, leaving employees in the lurch.
"I work Sundays and it's a very important job for me for my support and basically I need to work you know," said Angel Padilla who works on 23rd Street.
Others allowed workers in, despite the lack of customers. And several shops approached first responders bearing coffee and gratitude. One restaurant provided a buffet lunch and the Caroline apartment building allowed command teams to use its event space.
"What they are actually doing here is truly amazing," said John DiPiola, manager of The Caroline. "They're doing a wonderful job keeping us all safe."
Residents too say they feel safe, despite what happened. Officials urged New Yorkers not to give in to fear and it seems the people of Chelsea are taking that to heart.
"It doesn't worry me that much I think it's just kind of the world we live in and you adjust to it and you stay comfortable with it," said resident Ira Platt.