Flushing fund for fire-ravaged businesses

One day after an early-morning fire gutted two commercial buildings in downtown Flushing, a local elected official and business leaders are pulling together to keep the heart of the business district beating strongly.
The fire, in the wee hours of Wednesday, October 29, swept through 136-13 and 136-15 Roosevelt Avenue, a short distance from Main Street with such ferocity that the Buildings Department issued an emergency demolition order the next day.
The cause of the blaze is still under investigation.
In addition to fire and smoke damage, nearby businesses have reportedly incurred water damage from the fire department’s drenching of their buildings, essential in preventing the fire’s spread.
City Councilmember John Liu, the downtown Flushing Business Improvement District (BID) and the Flushing Chinese Business Association (FCBA) are coordinating an outreach and assistance program.
“Fortunately, no one was hurt as a result of this devastating fire. However, this is a total loss to so many people who have worked hard for their small businesses and we will do everything possible to help them get back on their feet,” Liu said.
A meeting with the city’s Department of Small Business Services (SBS) is being organized to provide direct assistance for the businesses and property owners affected by the fire.
“Our immediate priority is to work with SBS and their Emergency Response Unit to reach out to all the businesses affected and to expedite their recovery,” said Mabel Law, executive director of the Flushing BID. “We want to ensure our businesses will obtain all the information and assistance required to regain their vitality,” she said.
“We encourage all the businesses affected to participate in the upcoming meeting with SBS,” said Peter Tu, executive director of the FCBA. “We are working hard to help the businesses affected by yesterday’s devastating fire recover as quickly as possible,” he said.
To register for this meeting, please contact the Flushing BID at 718-888-1805 or the Office of Councilmember Liu at 718-888-8747, Ext.111.
Liu recently celebrated the 100th Anniversary of the nearby firehouse of Engine Company 273 and Ladder Company 129 at 40-18 Union Street, for which he secured a $775,000 capital budget allocation for modernization.
Two members of Ladder 129 have died in the line of duty - Firefighter Ernest Mattes in 1935 and Firefighter Richard Schultz in 1959. A plaque in their honor was dedicated at the firehouse recently.