The Far Northeast Small Business Association recently visited many of the small businesses along Castor Avenue.
The group met at state Rep. Jared Solomon’s office at 6434 Castor Ave., then walked both sides of the avenue from the 6500 block and north.
Members of the FNESBA were joined by aides to state Reps. Solomon and Anthony Bellmon and the 9th and 10th Councilmanic District representatives of the city Department of Commerce Mayor’s Business Action Team.
All handed out contact information related to business storefront improvements such as windows, painting, awnings, signs and security cameras.
FNESBA vice president Missy Murray and member Franciele Rodrigues provided English translation, one on each side of the street.
The group visited long-established businesses such as Matz Jewelers and Don Giovanni’s, popular restaurants like Tio Pepe, On Charcoal and Picanha and plenty of other mom-and-pop shops.
Victor, a grocery store owner, complained of a lot of illegal food vendors set up on the street, apparently using PECO power, and people breaking in his shop through the roof.
Jose, a restaurant owner, also complained about the illegal food vendors and was happy to hear that PECO will be contacted and a weekend sweep is being arranged with the city Department of Licenses and Inspections.
The Far Northeast Small Business Association will meet again on Wednesday, Sept. 18, at 6 p.m. at Paddy Whacks Irish Sports Pub, 9241 Roosevelt Blvd.
For more information, visit fnesba.org. ••
