The 204th Street and Bainbridge Avenue Merchants Association meeting continues to build on momentum created during this past holiday season.

At a meeting held on Thursday, April 12 at Beso Lounge, business leaders discussed plans for funding, events, neighborhood resources and a future meeting schedule. Around seven small business owners attended as well as other organizations such as Mosholu Preservation Corporation (MPC) and Community Board 7 (CB7).

“The feedback was very positive, merchants talked about things they would like to see in the neighborhood,” said Michael Lambert, executive director of the Jerome-Gun Hill Business Improvement District (BID) and deputy director of MPC.

More importantly for many business owners, mini-grant checks of up to $2,000 were distributed to participating merchants.

Hispanic-Serving Institutions Assisting Communities (HSIAC) grants, supported by Lehman College, were given to business owners as a reimbursement for making enhancements to their business. The goal of the HSIAC grants are to encourage and promote local business development, improve the quality of life, and maintain support of local merchants.

Bill Curran, of McKeon and Son Funeral Home, is heavily involved in the merchants association as the treasurer. Curran received a $2,000 grant for the improving security in his funeral home, which was recently renovated after a fire nearby caused significant water damage.

“Some merchants used the grant towards things like cameras, lighting and security purposes,” he said.

The Department of Transportation is partnering with several local community groups and merchants to create a “Weekend Walks” experience for shoppers and local residents this summer. Local businesses will be able engage in sidewalk sales. Members of the association are hoping the event will promote businesses along the corridor and encourage more people to become involved with the merchants association.

The Department of Small Business Services and Councilman Oliver Koppell have also been instrumental in aiding merchant organizing in the area.

Editor’s Note: Mosholu Preservation Corporation publishes the Norwood News.