PETITION TO SUPPORT A LOCAL BARBERSHOP & PROTECT SMALL BUSINESS OWNER - Gary Thornton

To Whom It May Concern,

We, the undersigned members of the community, respectfully submit this petition in strong support of Gs Chop Shop, located at 719 Canfield Rd, Youngstown, Ohio 44511.

Gs Chop Shop is not just a barbershop, it is a collective of licensed barbers and independent entrepreneurs who rely on this space to operate their businesses, serve the community, and provide for themselves and their families.

This establishment represents:
• Multiple licensed professionals working under one roof  
• Small business ownership and entrepreneurship  
• Economic opportunity within the local community  
• A trusted and consistent service for residents

Each barber inside Gs Chop Shop operates as their own entrepreneur, making this location a vital hub for independent income, career growth, and community connection.

Recently, concerns have arisen regarding the potential closure or eviction of this business due to an incident that occurred outside of the establishment and beyond the control of the owner, barbers, and staff.

We believe it is important to recognize that:
• The incident was not caused by the business or its professionals  
• All barbers are licensed and committed to professionalism and safety  
• Closing this location would directly impact multiple independent business owners, not just one entity  
• Penalizing this business for circumstances beyond its control would be unjust and harmful

The closure of Gs Chop Shop would:
• Disrupt the livelihoods of several licensed barbers and entrepreneurs  
• Remove a trusted and accessible service from the community  
• Negatively affect the local economy and small business ecosystem  

We stand in full support of keeping Gs Chop Shop open and protecting the entrepreneurs within it.

We urge all decision-makers to consider the broader impact of this space, not just as a business, but as a foundation for independent professionals, economic stability, and community service.

Gs Chop Shop represents opportunity, ownership, and community, and it deserves to remain open at its location of 719 Canfield Rd, Youngstown, Ohio 44511.

Sincerely the Resilient Residents of Youngstown, Ohio and To Whom Agrees in Support of this Local Business G’s Chop Shop Barbershop.