Morris Heights businesses receive recovery grants 7 months after devastating fire

For business owner Jessica, whose business "Optical Center" was destroyed in the blaze, the moment is personal.

Estefania Salinas

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Oct 14, 2025, 5:53 PM

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Updated

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City officials and community leaders announced $96,000 in recovery grants to help business owners rebuild their dreams. Each business will receive $16,000 to recover from the damage. The funding also includes resources to connect owners with landlords and support long-term recovery.

For business owner Jessica, whose business "Optical Center" was destroyed in the blaze, the moment is personal. Her persistence in reaching out to city and state leaders helped bring attention. She was heard and these leaders took action.

City officials say they’re now looking into ways to assist a family-owned business next door that used its own savings to recover from the fire.