Bronx businesses say they’re losing money because of local homeless encampments
The manager says that for over a month, a small encampment next door has grown and littered the block with trash and even used drugs.
Businesses along East Kingsbridge Road in the Bronx say that their business is suffering due to the homeless encampments in the neighborhood.
Amiga Fashion is one of those businesses, located on Creston Avenue by the Kingsbridge underpass. The manager says that for over a month, a small encampment next door has grown and littered the block with trash and even used drugs.
"I mean, all we can do is pray and hope that God finds a place for them. You know, we're not trying to harm them. We just can't have them right here on this strip,” said store manager Narelin Ramirez.
One of those currently experiencing homelessness, Sean Rippe, spoke with News 12 about his story becoming homeless after losing his father and his family losing their home. He says he tries to keep the area clean and that he would go elsewhere if he could.
"It is so hard to get out of it and so easy to get entangled in it. I've been working with Bronx Works. They have found me a room,” said Rippe.
City sanitation tells News 12 that they have a special team to come clean the area.
