Boston City Council Considers Vandalism Repair Fund for Small Businesses

The Boston City Council is considering a new initiative to help small businesses in the city deal with the costs of vandalism. With many shops and restaurants facing expenses for broken windows and graffiti, the proposed vandalism repair fund would provide financial assistance to impacted businesses.

One such business, Fornax Bakery in Roslindale, recently had to cover the cost of a new front-door window after it was accidentally kicked out by a woman. Owner Oscar Bonilla expressed the challenges of finding the funds to fix the window, highlighting the financial burden that vandalism can place on small businesses.

Similarly, Effie’s Kitchen experienced a violent incident where a man punched through a window, causing glass shards to scatter and injuring a customer. Co-owner George Anastasiadis shared the shock and chaos that ensued, emphasizing the need for support for businesses affected by such incidents.

District 5 City Councilor Enrique Pepen is championing the repair fund idea, which would allocate around $50,000 to assist mom-and-pop shops impacted by vandalism. Pepen believes that this fund could quickly become a reality during budget season, providing a lifeline for business owners who may not have the resources to cover unexpected repair costs.

Business owners like Bonilla are hopeful for the establishment of the fund, recognizing it as a valuable resource to protect them from unforeseen expenses. The proposal has been moved into committee for further review and will require a hearing before it can be brought before the full council for approval.

Overall, the potential vandalism repair fund offers a promising solution to support small businesses in Boston and alleviate the financial strain caused by acts of vandalism.