Crown Heights store owner says fate of shop is in pastor’s hands

<p>A Crown Heights business owner says the fate of his hardware store is in the hands of a pastor who put his building up for sale.</p>

News 12 Staff

Apr 8, 2018, 10:27 PM

Updated 2,208 days ago

Share:

A Crown Heights business owner says the fate of his hardware store is in the hands of a pastor who put his building up for sale.
Mohammed Kamara and supporters of his American Star Hardware store marched Sunday from his business on St. John's Place to Faith Gospel Assembly Church, where one of the pastors is a landlord for the building that houses the store.
The march brought signs to put pressure on Pastor Denzil Vaughn, who is a landlord and administrator of the building, after the protesting group says a "for sale" sign was put on the building.
Kamara wants to purchase the business outright after raising more than $25,000, but the group claims the pastor and other administrators are refusing to sell it.
Kamara says he feels like the pastor is trying to evict and displace him from the community.
Vaughn closed his car door and window when News 12 attempted to speak with him, but a church member who got in the car with him says Kamara owes rent.
"He's not getting evicted, and he owes two years (of) rent," says the church member. "He's telling you lies."
Kamara's lawyer says he does owe money, but that the landlords are refusing to sell him the building despite the money that was raised.
The lawyer adds that the case is going to court next month.


More from News 12
1:59
NYPD: Fordham shooting kills 34-year-old man, leaves another man critical

NYPD: Fordham shooting kills 34-year-old man, leaves another man critical

1:56
Temperatures to plummet overnight; winter-like chills expected Thursday morning

Temperatures to plummet overnight; winter-like chills expected Thursday morning

1:46
NYCHA resident says boiler issue causing safety and health concerns

NYCHA resident says boiler issue causing safety and health concerns

1:42
New community center focuses on supporting former male inmates on road to recovery

New community center focuses on supporting former male inmates on road to recovery

1:35
The Bronx Museum of Arts new exhibit showcases NYC artists from fellowship

The Bronx Museum of Arts new exhibit showcases NYC artists from fellowship

1:14
Police Athletic League hosts annual singing and dancing competition for kids

Police Athletic League hosts annual singing and dancing competition for kids

1:35
New Yankees murals at Bronx Terminal Market pays homage to Black baseball legends

New Yankees murals at Bronx Terminal Market pays homage to Black baseball legends

1:04
DOT adds $6 million to boost overnight and evening deliveries over peak hours

DOT adds $6 million to boost overnight and evening deliveries over peak hours

1:53
Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

0:20
MTA service alerts system now includes bridges, tunnels

MTA service alerts system now includes bridges, tunnels

0:23
Police: 2 men wanted for robbing Gamestop store at knifepoint in East Tremont

Police: 2 men wanted for robbing Gamestop store at knifepoint in East Tremont

0:24
NYPD: Suspect at large in West Concourse stabbing that left victim in grave condition

NYPD: Suspect at large in West Concourse stabbing that left victim in grave condition

2:07
Two NYPD officers arrested and facing multiple charges of sexual assault

Two NYPD officers arrested and facing multiple charges of sexual assault

1:57
Security heightened at Bronx Home Depot following customer complaints of uncomfortable encounters

Security heightened at Bronx Home Depot following customer complaints of uncomfortable encounters

DA: 3 teens indicted for killing bystander, wounding 4 in subway shooting

DA: 3 teens indicted for killing bystander, wounding 4 in subway shooting

1:53
Bronx bookworms take part in writing workshop for World Book Day

Bronx bookworms take part in writing workshop for World Book Day

1:57
State taxi federation raises reward for information to help stop carjackings, robberies

State taxi federation raises reward for information to help stop carjackings, robberies

1:42
Irish consulate general joins BP Gibson for a Woodlawn walkthrough

Irish consulate general joins BP Gibson for a Woodlawn walkthrough

1:00
Fordham Road BID discusses local improvements made, offers a look toward the future

Fordham Road BID discusses local improvements made, offers a look toward the future

1:56
MTA meets with riders in Fordham to hear their concerns with current transit system

MTA meets with riders in Fordham to hear their concerns with current transit system