The Third Avenue Business Improvement District held a meeting Monday with officials and Melrose business owners affected by a fire last week to discuss resources.
“We're looking for any resources that can get us back on the field right now because of this fire. We are devastated,” says Zia Gulraiz, manager of Holland Textiles.
News 12 is told Holland Textiles is a community staple, and that its staff makes beautiful traditional African clothing.
Many residents News 12 spoke with say they feel horrible for these businesses, and that they would visit them frequently to get a variety of items.
“We're here to be an advocate, to advocate for supporting the businesses in getting back on their feet,” says Pedro Suarez, executive director of the Third Avenue Business Improvement District.
Suarez tells News 12 topics they discussed during the meeting revolved around legal support, crowd-funding campaigns and insurance claims. He says they plan to meet again on Thursday to move forward with support initiatives.
The FDNY says they still haven’t determined the cause of the fire. The Department of Buildings issued an emergency demolition order for the property at 3033 Third Ave. News 12 does not have information on when that process will begin.