Chinanews.com, October 31. According to the US "World Journal" report, a 191-year-old bar in Queens, New York, was almost forced to close down due to rent increases due to the change of hands of the landlord of the building, but the mayor Bai Sihao ( Bill de Blasio), a number of Chinese people and the Queens Chamber of Commerce, successfully persuaded Chinese landlords to reduce rents. On the 29th, they signed a new contract under the witness of De Blasio and others, giving the oldest bar in New York City a new lease of life.
Located on 78th Street and 88th Street in Wood Harbor, Neirs Tavern opened before Queens joined the New York City territory. It has a history dating back to 1829. It is famous for appearing in many movies and is one of the oldest bars and restaurants in New York City.
Since the building where the bar is located was bought by brothers Ken & Henry Shi from Flushing several years ago, the new landlord intentionally increased the rent, making it difficult for the bar owner Loycent Gordon to afford it. It was originally scheduled for this year. Closed on January 12.
Gordon said that he bought the bar in 2009 when he worked in the fire department. After the Chinese landlord bought the building, he first raised the monthly rent from US$2,000 to US$3,000. Earlier this year, he was notified that it would rise to US$5,400.
Due to the poor English of the Chinese landlord, Gordon said that the communication between the two parties was not smooth at first, "I understand that they (the landlord) also have to pay the bills, but I really can't afford the excessive monthly rent." He recalled the original plan on January 11. On the last day of business, the residents of the community came to support the business, which made him very reluctant.
The news that the bar is going to be closed attracted the attention of elected officials and the Queens Chamber of Commerce, and helped both parties mediate. During the period, they also helped the bar apply for municipal subsidies. Although there were still twists and turns, Gordon signed on the 29th in the witness of elected officials and customers The five-year new contract and the new rent have not been announced, but those familiar with the matter said the industry is already affordable.
Michael Wang, the founder of Project Queens, a real estate leasing company that helped Gordon negotiate with the Chinese-American landlord, said that after the Chinese-American landlord bought the building, he evaluated the market price and planned to increase the rent; he said that the new landlord also faces a lot of expenses. , But after communication, the two sides reached an agreement to give the bar that was facing bankruptcy a new life, "Everyone is good."
De Blasio, who witnessed the signing of the new contract on the same day, said that New York City will protect these small businesses from difficulties. He recommended this landmark bar in Mugang in front of the camera and called on the public to go to small businesses during the holiday season to help the community’s economic recovery. "Thank you all People who help, make this bar open for another 200 years."
Thomas J. Grech, chairman and CEO of the Queens Chamber of Commerce, said that during the epidemic, half of the 6,000 small businesses in Queens had disappeared forever; he thanked Mindai and other supporters for helping Queens retain this Landmark sign.
Gordon said that during the epidemic, due to indoor dining restrictions, he carried out outdoor operations, but as the weather became colder, he bought a transparent bubble house to make diners feel warm. "I will wait to see if the state government will allow it. More people dine indoors before deciding whether to invest in outdoor restaurants."
New York State Senator Mike Miller, City Councillor Robert Holden, and representatives of the Queens Chamber of Commerce witnessed the signing of the new contract. The Chinese landlord did not attend.
(Mou Lan)