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To our Governors, Mayors, and Legislators:

Can you picture walking through your neighborhood and not seeing those cherished third- generation mom and pop dining locations? Paul's Pizza has been in the Hamilton Heights neighborhood for nearly half a century. It was named Paul's Pizza and when it relocated across the street, it became Olga's Pizza. This pizza has transcended generations and many of us made it our first stop after school. When we all think about places we would go in our childhood, this is one of the places that stand out in my and many others' childhoods. This is a sentiment that is shared amongst everyone within our community. The family who owns Olga's Pizza immigrated to the United States in hopes of obtaining "The American Dream." This dream is being taken from them unjustly because of forced quarantine closures. 

Today in an ever-changing community, Olga's Pizza has remained a beacon of familiarity. For instance, my great grandparents, grandparents, parents, children and I have indulged in the company of Olga's Pizza's business owners and its food. This is not just a pizzeria nor a business to us they are family. Therefore, it is imperative to say this is not just a local business; they are a staple in our community. This couple has witnessed generations of personal growth and the expansions of our families to date. It is negligent to see this business forced to close due to the property owner’s unwillingness to negotiate a $10,000 rent with this family amid the COVID-19 pandemic business closures.

As many people live paycheck to paycheck so did this location, there is no nest egg. No reserve fund. There is no possibility of remote working or a delivery service and as a result no incoming revenue. Without significant help and holding the landlord accountable this business will vanish, depriving our community of a gathering place, generosity and memories of the old and yet to come. Moreover, the option to relocate would cost this family $150,000, which is not feasible at their age.

In closing, money has become the sole focus of many businesses within our community yet; those that manipulate the economy fail to recognize the humane component in being a community and helping thy neighbor.