We are the owners of Chefs On The Run, a small, family-owned restaurant serving the Homestead community since 2011. Our mission has always been to share Puerto Rican cuisine and culture while supporting our local community. Over the years, we've remained resilient, but we’re reaching out to address the common misconception that businesses that survived COVID are doing fine. The truth is that since 2020, we've been struggling. Rising inflation, payroll taxes, and ongoing political division have us constantly feeling on the edge.

One significant challenge we've been facing is the strict regulations around signage for small businesses in Homestead. These rules limit our ability to promote our business effectively. Many small businesses, including ours, rely heavily on foot traffic. Signage is critical in attracting new customers and increasing visibility in the community.

We propose allowing small businesses in Homestead to have signage outside their establishments that is ADA-compliant and not intruding on the pedestrian right of way. Specifically, we want the inclusion of A-line signs and yard signs. These would not only help businesses like mine reach potential customers but also ensure that our community remains vibrant and inclusive, able to support its local economy.

According to the Small Business Administration, small businesses make up 99.9% of all U.S. businesses. For many of us, effective advertising is crucial to survival and growth. In fact, a study by the International Sign Association shows that people are significantly more likely to enter a business based on its signage appeal. These tools aren’t just helpful; they can mean the difference between staying afloat or being forced to close.

Granting permission for these ADA-compliant signs could mitigate our struggles, ensuring that Homestead becomes a welcoming place for small business owners and loyal residents alike. It is essential that we support our local businesses now more than ever, considering the economic challenges we continue to face.

Please consider supporting this petition to allow ADA-compliant signage for small businesses in Homestead. With your help, we can ensure that small businesses like mine can continue to contribute to the community's cultural and economic vitality. Sign this petition to make a real difference for our local businesses and community today.