North Merrick Residents Start Organization Against Proposed Pawn Shop

North Merrick residents have started an organization called Neighbors Against Pawn Shop to stop a proposed pawn shop from opening at 1391 Jerusalem Ave. 

They have also reached out to Senator Charles Fuschillo who will write a letter supporting residents.

"This is not just a Merrick and North Merrick situation, but a community issue," Resident Trish Apello said. 

Last month, residents started an online petition, which has more than 400 signatures, to stop the the business from opening. They have also teamed up with Legislator Dave Denenberg and Claudia Borecky, president of of the North Merrick Community Association.

According to the petition, 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 attorney of the person who is seeking to open the pawn shop said that he is willing to meet with the community to hear its concerns. 

Borecky said that she is in the process of setting up a date in which the lawyer will speak with residents.

Appello said that if North Merrick stand together, they can stop the business from opening.

"This a neighborhood community issue," she said.  

Do you think that a pawn shop would be a negative addition to the North Merrick community? Tell us in the comments below.