The fire dealt a devastating blow to Lollipops Diner owners Michael and Costas Psillis. The father-and-son team worked seven days a week at the popular local eatery."This is the worst thing that can happen," said Costas Psillis. "At least no one got hurt. That's more important."
Councilman Tony Avella (D-Bayside) said even the stores that suffered relatively minor damage are facing tough times because of the nationwide financial meltdown.
"This could not have happened at a worse time," said Avella , who lives near the fire site. "The mom-and-pop stores are barely making it as it is."
The charred overhang of the shopping center almost hides the fact that King's Chef Chinese Restaurant is open for business.
A hand-written sign in the window reads: "Thank God we are in business again."
Owner Patrick Chan credits Avella for helping him get a quick inspection and approval from the city Health Department to reopen his busy takeout shop.
Whitestone Shopping Center tries to rebound after devastating fire
3 comments:
""This could not have happened at a worse time," said Avella , who lives near the fire site. "The mom-and-pop stores are barely making it as it is.""This could not have happened at a worse time," said Avella , who lives near the fire site. "The mom-and-pop stores are barely making it as it is.""
The auto makers and the banks and brokers caused their own crisis by their arrogant greed. The US government gets a case of bleeding heart and hands them nearly a trillion of our tax dollars.
These mom-and-pop stores are victims of probable arson, and, except for Tony Avella, who's there to help these hard working SMALL BUSINESS owners recover? Where's the rescue money from the taxpayers? Don't these folks deserve rescue far more than the arrogant brokers, bankers and auto makers?
If they get rescue money from us, how likely is it that they will give themselves multi-million dollar bonuses, or jet off to the most extravagant resort in the world to wine and dine on our dime?
taxpayer,
It was arson. Some 42 yr old Whitestone guy who has a history of problems set the Lollipop Diner on fire to cover up the fact that he had stolen some cigarettes. I just went by yesterday. That whole side of the shopping center is charred. Really sad.
lock him up and throw away the key.
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