Taking up ten blocks of the neighborhood, Avenue N is the main source that pumps life into Mill Basin. The major businesses and community gatherings are located on the block and as a resident it is truly difficult to avod the avnue with beeping car horns and familiar faces passing by. But on weekdays after a local junior high school lets out,the atmosphere of the block changes as the business owners lock their doors and pl down their shades, creating a scene from a ghost town. 
A reoccurring problem, Avenue N has had many problems with the children of Roy H. Mann, a junior high a few blocks away in Bergen Beach. At 3 p.m. the children walk up the block releasing their pent up energy from school and even causing a problem for business owners. From shoplifting to vandalizing, the owners are better off shutting down business for the hour than allowing the children to pass though.
About six weeks ago, the problem erupted, involving the 63rd precinct and Councilman Lew Fidler getting involved. School children began vandalizing cars in the small shopping center around the corner from the library, causing the owner from the Bagel Store to run out and get involved. Instead of stopping the problem, the children mobbed the owner and proceeded to beat him up. Police force was required and a few weeks later the Mill Basin Civic Association held a meeting in response. Store owners, the councilman and the 63rd precinct were present to figure out a way to fix the problem. As of yet, the only response has been increased police force around the area at 3 p.m.
I would shut down my business too, but I believe the stores should do is notify the school on what’s going on. Maybe the school can get its hands on discipling these kids.