Message from Councilman Mark Gjonaj
COUNCILMAN MARK GJONAJ
BRONX TIMES REPORTER, J BTR UNE 28-JULY 4, 2019 75
On Thursday, June 27, as chairman
of Committee on Small Business, I will
be conducting a hearing on Food Delivery
Smartphone Applications. It is
no secret that technology has signifi -
cantly infl uenced the business industry.
Most recently, I have found food
delivery smartphone applications
have greatly modifi ed the food industry
for all involved parties – consumers,
restaurants owners, and thirdparty
online vendor. Although, it has
exponentially increased effi ciency and
mobility, it has adversely impacted local
small businesses.
The business models of these online
companies were initially set to
aide and improve local restaurants
by offering a delivery service that restaurants
were unwilling or unable to
provide in exchange for a modest commission
on their sales. However, the
food delivery app service has boomed
and their symbiotic relationship has
shifted. This is primarily due to the
technological and behavioral differences
between generations.
It is safe to say that a majority of the
younger population has enjoyed the
perks that phone deliveries offer, such
as effi ciency, diversity, and convenience.
They have become accustomed
to communicating and shopping with
a click of a button. From tweeting, emailing,
texting, and online shopping,
groceries, and meal prep services – everything
can be accomplished without
directly talking to another human
being or leaving the comfort of one’s
home. Therefore, it is only natural to
order takeout in the same fashion.
On the other hand, the older generation
continues to dine in the same restaurants.
In the instance they decide to
order takeout, they do so directly from
the restaurant. Furthermore, they are
much more understanding and cognizant
of the role that small businesses
have on a community and the economy.
As previously stated, food delivery
apps have become antagonistic to
the survival of small restaurants that
have been in communities for generations.
It is unclear how food delivery services
operate, from both the consumer
and producer standpoints. Those who
use the app have expressed that their
delivery fees range from $0-$10, depending
on the restaurant. However,
they are unaware of how those fees
are being utilized. In addition, they receive
rewards ranging from $5 - $20 or
10% - 20% off as incentives to continuously
place orders.
Participating restaurants claim
that they were originally fond of food
delivery apps and could fi nancially
manage 5%-10% commission on their
sales. However, the percentages have
skyrocketed up to 30% or 50 cents of
every dollar they make. Additionally,
they are claiming that these food delivery
apps are also charging them bogus
fees for simple inquires that do not result
in placed delivery that range from
$5- $10. To make matters worse, their
dispute policies and procedures are extremely
diffi cult to navigate.
Hence, it is important to shed light
on the business models of food delivery
apps during the Committee on
Small Business Hearing on June 27.
Small Businesses are essential to the
economic stability and growth of NYC.
However, as we know, they are struggling
to keep their businesses open.
Food Delivery Service Apps, on principle,
should contribute to the economic
growth of local restaurants instead of
being the nail on their coffi n.
One of the last remaining
members of the Tuskegee
Airmen has joined the great
formation in the sky. Lt. Col.
Robert Friend has passed on
at the age of 99. Please remember
him and his family
in your prayers, we have lost
another member of the great
generation.
The Tuskegee Airmen
were a group of African-
American military pilots
who fought in World War
II. They formed the 332nd
Fighter Group and the 477th
Bombardment Group of the
United States Army Air
Forces.
The blood drive for Jason
went extremely well,
thanks to all that came to
share the gift of life. Jason,
son of Irene and Greg from
the post, asked me to extend
their gratitude to all that
made it possible.
Big salute to the boys from
Paddy’s on the Bay and all
the participating establishments
for the Trolley Crawl
that resulted in a big donation
to the veterans. Sure
all had a good time and were
licking their wounds the following
day, hey someone has
to do it.
The post will be holding
its Fourth of July BBQ on
the Saturday, July 6 from
1 to 5 p.m. Usual BBQ fare
with tap beer, wine and soda
all for a mere $20 bucks. Ya
can’t beat it so bring your appetite
and thirst.
That’s all for now, stay
tuned for further information.
We are stronger as one,
let’s work together. God bless
America.
BY GENE DEFRANCIS
If you live in Allerton you
most definitely passed by St.
Lucy’s Church and the beautiful
grotto dedicated to her.
It is a local landmark that
travelers near and far visit.
But do you know the history
of St. Lucy?
Lucia of Syracuse was
born in 283 AD during the Roman
Empire. Her father was
wealthy and of Roman nobility
and died when she was
a young child. Her mother
believed to be of Greek heritage,
suffered from a rare
blood disease.
At a young age, Lucia
dedicated her life to God.
After her mother was miraculously
cured, Lucia convinced
the family to give a
large portion of her wealth
to the poor. But her family
had already arranged her
marriage to a young pagan
man and he became very
distraught when he learned
their money was being given
away.
Her fiancé reported the
news to the Governor of Syracuse.
She was ordered to
show her loyalty to the emperor
and denounce her religion,
but she refused. The
governor then sentenced Lucia
to a brothel where she
was to lose her virginity.
But she resisted and
fought off the guards as best
she could until her fate met
a sword into her throat. It is
also believed that before see
met her end her eyes were removed
either by the guards
or self inflicted so that no
suitor would find her unattractive.
She was only 21
years old when she became
a martyr.
Her name derives from
the Latin word meaning
light, she is celebrated with
a feast on December 13th and
is patron saint of the blind.
She is also the patron
saint of authors, laborers,
peasants and salesmen
which we feel is appropriate
as a community organization
and merchants association.
This is not limited to
physical blindness but also
if you are surrounded by
darkness and can’t see the
light ahead.
If you need guidance or
help making an important
decision, you can sit in the
grotto, clear your mind, and
the answer will present itself
to you.
It truly is a local treasure
and a major part of Allertons
history.
No matter your religious
belief or background, Lucia
of Syracuse is a strong female
hero who gave her life
to what she believed. And
that included caring for the
less fortunate and believing
in something greater than
herself.
I know the spirit of St.
Lucy is alive in many Allertonians
as I meet and
talk with residents who are
willing to sacrifice their
time and their security to
make this a better place for
our children to grow. We
will keep her memory alive
and encourage more of our
neighbors to get involved in
some way.
Help us combat litter and
unwanted graffiti. Join us
in our neighborhood patrol.
Help us organize community
events and fundraisers.
The flags for the 4th of
July should be up by the time
this articles goes to print.
And we thank Community
Board 11 for sponsoring the
flags and those who donated
to help pay for the installation
of the flags, including
Stephanie Raptis and Ness
of Payless Fruits.
Together we can accomplish
anything. And we have
accomplished a lot so far.
Our next executive meeting
at the beautiful Sanz
Banquet Hall is Tuesday,
July 2 and the doors will
open at 7 p.m.
We will discuss the new
MTA routes and how it will
effect our community and
the upcoming Allerton International
Food Festival on
Saturday, August 17.
On a final note, friends
don’t pressure or threaten
friends to make important
decisions. T
hat sends a red flag that
perhaps it may not be the
right decision to make. If it’s
the right thing to do, there is
no need for rushing or manipulating
the decision.
We don’t cut corners
here in Allerton and we are
a transparent and opinionated
community. That has
been the key to our success
and how we have earned the
trust and respect of merchants
and residents of our
community. They know we
put Allerton first always.
With that said, we introduce
a new mantra for the
summer. ‘Always Allerton’.
Protect your home. Protect
you neighbors. Protect Allerton.
Because your community
is your business.