On October 16, Assemblyman William Colton (D—Gravesend, Bensonhurst, Bath Beach and Dyker Heights) joined a host of community leaders on a walk along Bay Parkway with the goal of meeting businessowners and shoppers, and learning about their concerns.
Among those in the group were Captain Mohammad Islam, the commanding officer of the 62nd Precinct; Dr. Tim Law, the president of Chinese American Social Services; Marnee Elias-Pavia, the district manager of Community Board 11; Bay Parkway Merchants Association President Paul Li; Democratic District Leaders Nancy Tong and Larry He; and representatives of City Councilmember Susan Zhuang.
The group stopped into medical offices, pharmacies and delis, as well as two senior centers located along the route, and provided contact information for both residents and merchants, urging them to reach out if they wanted to learn more about government services that might benefit them or if they encountered any problems which they needed assistance with.
“Small businesses, in particular, face many challenges these days,” said Assemblyman Colton. “We feel it is important to meet their owners, and let them know about government resources that may be available to them, as well as listen to their concerns, whether they be related to safety or simply the cost of operating their businesses, with the goal of helping them to overcome them. Captain Islam arrived in the neighborhood in August, and this was a great opportunity to join him to connect with the people who are at the heart of our merchant community. In addition, stopping in to speak with the seniors was, as always, a delight. They have contributed so much to our community over the years, and we want them to know that we have many resources available to help them.”
“After our first walkthrough, business owners told me it was one of the first times they got to meet so many community leaders. That is why we did this again,” said Councilmember Zhuang. “Our business owners are the heart of our community; it is essential we show them we know this deeply and appreciate their dedication to our community.”
The group addressed the seniors who attend the Joyous Social Adult Day Care Center on Bay Parkway.
