As a sign of good relations, the city of Dunkirk decided to grant the vendors of the Boardwalk at the city pier a one month’s rent credit, due to the financial hit they’ve taken from the pier construction.

“The business owners themselves are directly affected, especially seeing as they’re only open a few months a year,” Councilman-at-large Andy Woloszyn had stated at the city’s last Finance Committee meeting.

“Their entire year’s worth of income is based on the summer months. They’re not year-round businesses, so even though there are still parking spaces there, they’re limited and do deter people from going to the stores there.”

Mayor Wilfred Rosas had been happy with the idea being expressed at the meeting as well saying that this was something that he was glad Woloszyn brought up.

“I’ve been considering offering a credit to their accounts because of the construction that’s going on. They haven’t asked for it, but I would like for all of us to come together on this.”

After conferring with both Fiscal Affairs Officer Marsha Beach and City Treasurer Mark Woods, it was found that the loss of the rental income would have no negative effect on the city coffers.

At the Common Council Meeting Tuesday, a resolution was officially drafted and presented.

“I brought this up as a possible good-faith gesture to the individuals and businesses that operate around that area because of the construction going on,” Woloszyn stated. “While there is still some parking available, it is under construction. It does look ugly, it might deter people from going down there at all just because they don’t want to deal with it.”

Little discussion was given prior to voting on it, save for Third Ward Councilman Shaun Heenan, whom abstained, as he is a business owner at the Boardwalk. “The Boardwalk businesses feel very appreciative,” Heenan added.

The resolution passed 4-0 with 1 abstention giving the Boardwalk vendors the one month credit and Demetri’s a one month property tax credit.

“We hope that people don’t avoid our businesses and avoid our Boardwalk while it’s under construction. We want as many people down there as possible, but the reality of that is some people do stay away because of the construction,” Woloszyn said. “Realistically, the Boardwalk businesses only make their money a few months out of the year, even though they could be open in January and February, nobody wants to go to the pier then.”