>For Elaine Fernandez (5:43) – God Bless you for having the confidence to identify yourself.
Many who remain anonymous find the tone of the opposing group to be intimidating and threatening. 8:28am blogged that neighbors from surrounding areas attended the meeting to voice opposition to the deli: in fact individuals were solicited very selectively. As well, the opposition informed individuals in support of the deli that the May 12 meeting was closed and only those within 200 feet of the deli who received notification could attend. Further, some neighbors have been intimidated into supporting the opposition, or remaining silent, with the suggestion that their own variance requests would be collectively and vehemently opposed.
Once the racist signs were posted regarding the “bodega” many felt they too could become potential targets of such hatred. The use of the term BODEGA was to infer the presence of unwanted Hispanic’s in the neighborhood. It is shameful that a Ridgewood High School teacher would post such a racist sign on her front lawn. Anyone with a Hispanic heritage should be outraged! Anyone with Hispanic friends and family should be outraged! Anyone with a conscious should be outraged!
MANY support the deli and would be more than happy to have it back. Those complaining purchased their homes across the street from the deli and knew it was there when they bought. The deli should come back as soon as possible. Perhaps PJ would be good enough to post pictures of the bigoted signs that are littering this neighborhood, and then, while at it, post pictures of the current deli along with the deli owner’s proposed modifications. It is a huge improvement and will compliment the neighborhood.
if some one could send in a pic of the disputed “deli” send jpeg to onlyonesmallvoice@gmail.com
