MAYOR GIULIANI VISITS DAMAGE CAUSED BY SEVEN ALARM FIRE IN QUEENS
The Mayor was joined by Speaker Peter Vallone, Deputy Mayor Rudy Washington, Department of Business Services Commissioner Earl Andrews Jr. and Steinway Business Improvement District (BID) Chairman Tony Barsamian.
The seven alarm fire, first reported at 11:21 p.m. yesterday evening, originated at 30-91 Steinway Street between 30th and 31st Avenues. Six buildings were destroyed by the blaze including seven commercial stores -- K&B Toys, Heynes, Lou's Pizza, Palamino Shoes, Dynamic Discount Jewelry, 7 Star Bags and MH Men's Clothes. A total of 84 units and 341 firefighters responded to the scene and were able to contain the fire at 5:53 a.m. this morning.
Three families were displaced and relocated to a local hotel by the American Red Cross. Twenty-eight firefighters received minor injuries, 15 of which were taken to local area hospitals to be treated for additional non-life threatening injuries. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
"The damage done by this fire is absolutely incredible, its a wonder no one lost their life," said Mayor Giuliani. "I want to thank the Fire Department for their quick response time and dedicated effort as they fought for over five hours to put out this fire. The Department of Business Services, the Economic Development Corporation and my office will work with these businesses and families displaced by the fire to see that they get back on their feet."
Five of the six buildings have been demolished because of structural damage and the Department of Housing and Preservation Development is looking for additional sites for the businesses to relocate.
The Department of Business Services (DBS) will by provide business emergency grants of up to $1,000 per business. In addition, the New York City Economic Development Corporation will offer emergency loans to the businesses. DBS is also working with the Steinway Business Improvement District to ensure that the businesses will be able to relocate and reopen.
"The Steinway Business Improvement District will assist the Mayor and Speaker Vallone in the coordination of the outreach program to all affected parties," said Steinway BID Chairman Tony Barsamian. "We will work with the landlords, commercial tenants and local residents affected. The BID is making itself available to alleviate any human suffering it can including those who are homeless as a result of this tragedy."
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