It’s deja vu for the site of fire

(Re: “Early morning fire destroys five businesses,” Dec. 21)

To the Editor:

Whatever sad adjectives accompany this story of loss, it is heartening to know that the Kingsbridge/231st Street shopping district will likely rebuild and renew itself. Why? Because it happened before — at the same location.

Some decades ago, this deli’s predecessor, Ehring’s Tavern, suffered a devastating fire. The bar and restaurant was gutted, and a priceless collection of beer steins was thought destroyed. But the Ehring family rebuilt their business and kept it going for many more years. They sponsored a grand reopening for the community and this establishment retained its place as an anchor along the busy commercial strip.

Let’s keep spirits positive as the long process of discovering the fire’s cause, apportioning liability, settling claims, and — ultimately — rebuilding, takes its course. The neighborhood does not have to give in to naysayers and harbingers of doom. So, business owners, public officials, landlords, and other stakeholders, you have made your public statements. Actions will speak so much louder than words. Move into high gear and rebuild as soon as possible!

Gary Dombroff