An unsearchable (via internet) deli, next door to Masjid Bab-Salam which is located at 3604 Neptune Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11224, is reselling goods exposed to Sandy. After telling volunteers that everything must be left at the store for the insurance adjusters and FEMA, store owner Mike, has restocked his shelves with the very items once jointly floating in the waters risen by the super storm.
This is the closest and only functioning (debatably), deli to Sea Gate residents and Coney Island residents for miles. All other businesses have been looted/ damaged and remain in repair mode or closed. The business, under a sign which reads Gourmet Deli, was the only one in the area not robbed and is notorious for crime and violence, even of the murder variety. The red cross has set up some tents during the day to relieve residents.
People are desperate for resources and so long as they have money the store will sell whatever is sought without regard for the consequences. Beverages encased in layers of silt are flying off the shelves of the very refrigerators which had no power like everyone and everything else in the devastated area.
The business has not had an inspection, like nearby Key Food supermarket has, and continues to operate despite the health risks to consumers.
This is in alignment with their general business practices. They continue to sell out of state tobacco, to adults and minors alike, without a license, in secret, out of a false ATM as the storage space. Aside from the new health risks, patrons are openly aware that Identification is often unchecked when beer is purchased. Unconfirmed rumors exist about controlled substance and drug transactions within the premises.
Local business owners in the area are aware of the goings on and expressed feelings that elude to phrases like “oh, it’s about time” and “you didn’t know?” when asked about the Deli’s involvement in minor and major crime, even prior to the present situation. All those who commented expressed concern for mention of their name in any capacity which will be seen by others which raises questions.
Key Food and the area pharmacy, Bay Park, located in the same shopping plaza are hard at work restoring and cleaning up. They project partial to full functionality in ten days. Precautionary measures regarding perishable and damaged goods are openly being taken (see photos).
Key Food Freezers
Key Food Clean Up
Bay Park Pharmacy
3 responses so far ↓
Malynda // Dec 2nd 2012 at 7:02 pm
What a disaster. Thanks for sharing your story it is really is unbelievable. It’s horrible when people or businesses try to profit off tragedies or do things they know are wrong. Hang in there.
ay083951 // Dec 17th 2012 at 2:30 am
Nice find, way to be on the ball with this one. It’s pretty despicable to see people take advantage of this tragedy. Good follow-up of the restocking issues in general, quite a few shelves were cleared at my local Food Bazaar for about a week after Sandy hit, and even then it was slow going before they came back to full capacity.
Thierry // Dec 18th 2012 at 9:42 pm
I never would have thought a business owner would stoop so low. This is the definition of shady, and a great contrast to the generally positive stories that came out of Sandy.
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