Help a 35 Year Long Island City Mechanic Rebuild After Injury & Eviction

For more than 35 years, my small auto repair shop in Long Island City has been more than just a business , it’s been my life’s work.

Since 1988, I’ve helped neighbors keep their cars running, get to work, bring their kids to school, and stay on the road. Over the decades, customers have become friends, and many feel more like family than clients.

But right now, everything I’ve built is at risk of disappearing.

Recently, the roof of the building began collapsing and caused flooding inside the shop. In the chaos that followed, I slipped and fell on my back, leaving me seriously injured. Because of the fall, I now have shoulder surgery scheduled next week, followed by back surgery, and for the first time in decades, I physically cannot work on cars myself.

Despite the dangerous condition of the roof, our landlord has refused to take responsibility.

At the same time, the building has been sold to developers, and I’ve been served an eviction notice. After 35 years in the same location, we are being forced to leave so the property can be redeveloped.

We must move out by May 15th.

Finding another location in Long Island City has been incredibly difficult. The few spaces available cost over $10,000 per month, and opening a new garage requires significant upfront costs just to get back up and running.

The funds raised through this campaign will go toward:

• Two months security deposit for a new shop

• First month’s rent

• Construction and setup of the new garage space

• Moving equipment and tools

My goal is simple: to reopen the shop and continue serving the community that has supported me for more than three decades.

This garage is not just a business. It represents a lifetime of hard work, dedication, and relationships built in Long Island City.

If you’ve ever stopped by the shop, driven past it, or simply believe that small neighborhood businesses deserve a chance to survive, I humbly ask for your help.

Any contribution, no matter how small, will help me rebuild and get back to doing what I’ve done for 35 years: keeping Long Island City moving.

If you can’t donate, sharing this campaign would mean the world to me.

If 1,000 people donate just $50, we can reach our goal and reopen the shop.”

Thank you for your kindness and support.