The fast-moving fire that destroyed businesses in a Yonkers
strip mall dealt another blow to the businesses owners and community already
struggling due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
"To see your dream go away in seconds, there is
nothing we could have done," said Mohammed Saleh, the nephew of the owner
of Tibbets Park Market, a popular food mart.
His close-knit Yemini family worked hard for years to
realize their American dream of owning a food mart.
It was one of several small businesses ravaged by the blaze
on Yonkers Avenue around 6:30 a.m.
A dry cleaner, nail salon and insurance company are
assessing the damage.
Hair salon owner Elizabeth Morales told News 12 that she didn't
apply for the Paycheck Protection Program the last time around. She will now,
saying she needs all the help she can get.
For Saleh, he is confident his food mart will rise again
from the rubble.
"Hopefully, we could rebuild quickly and get back into
the community," he said. "This is our spot and we plan to stay
here."
All the business owners say they have insurance that will
cover the fire damage. A
GoFundMe has been set up to help the businesses.