Business owner says wall collapse still impacting business

<p>Nearly six months after a partial wall collapse forced several businesses to evacuate in Soundview, some business owners say it is still has an impact.</p>

News 12 Staff

Sep 17, 2018, 11:34 PM

Updated 2,235 days ago

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Nearly six months after a partial wall collapse forced several businesses to evacuate in Soundview, some business owners say it is still has an impact.
At least one person was injured when the wall of a pharmacy fell apart earlier this year, and as the awning and bricks came crashing down, seven stores were evacuated.
Scaffolding has surrounded the buildings since then. It’s something Mickey Bautista, of Ms Caridad's, says has really impacted his business.
“The visibility affects us because people are like, ‘Oh no, I didn't really know it was open,”’ says Bautista.
Even though there are signs plastered along the scaffolding that say businesses are open, Bautista says people still get confused.
A barbershop owner next door shares the same frustration and adds that the problem should have been resolved a long time ago.
Some shoppers News 12 spoke to say it's not necessarily dissuading them from going to the stores, although they say they are a bit nervous that it could happen again.
News 12 reached out to the Department of Buildings. It said it issued a violation to the building owner in July for their failure to make repairs to the wall.