Residents Speak Out Against Proposed Pawn Shop at Community Meeting

More than 30 people attended a community meeting hosted by Neighbors Against Pawn Shops (NAPS) on Thursday to speak out against the opening of a proposed pawn shop at 1391 Jerusalem Ave. 

"I feel strongly that this is not the type of business that should open in our neighborhood," Trish Apello, president of NAPS, said during the meeting at North Merrick Public Library. 

Residents are concerned that if Estate Pawn Brokers LTD opens on Jerusalem Avenue there will be a number of problems which include traffic and congestion, it could attract criminals to North Merrick, causing a potential increase in crime and it will alter the nature of the neighborhood.  

The location is also three blocks from Fayette Elementary School, which is also a major concern.

The pawn shop application is scheduled for a hearing on Sept. 12 before the Hempstead Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA).

Town officials as well as residents and merchants spoke of the importance of banding together and speaking out against the proposed pawn shop at its BZA hearing.

"The more people you have at the hearing the better," Legislator Dave Denenberg said. "Let your voices be heard." 

Marc Schneider, attorney for the Barclay Townhouses, which are located across the street from the proposed pawn shop shop, agreed.

"It's important that you get the word out to the people who are not here tonight," he said. "It is important that the Zoning Board of Appeals know you are against this."