Bound Brook Businesses Hurting Post Fire

BOUND BROOK, NJ — It has been just over a week since a devastating seven-alarm fire ripped through Bound Brook’s downtown area. The borough has received an overwhelming amount of donations and is working to cleanup the area but businesses in the area are hurting.

"Unfortunately, the fire has had far reaching effects that are being felt by local family businesses all along East Main Street. Despite the barriers blocking off the rubble, all businesses are open and ready to serve so please consider stopping in one of the many places along Main Street for a bite to eat or a sweet treat pick me up! There’s lots to choose from including authentic Latin, Italian, all-American, Colombian, and more!" according to Downtown Bound Brook.

"Lots of people want to donate something, instead come down and patronize the local businesses, that will help," Bound Brook Police Capt. Kevin Rivenbark said.

Businesses such as Stan’s Chitch's pizzeria at 14 Columbus Pl., Frascella’s Liquor at 101 E Main St., Dunkin Donuts and Basking Robbins at 109 E Main St., Nerger’s Auto Express at 101 W Main St., Lou's Subs and Deli at 421 E Main St., Douglas Restaurant & Diner at 307 E Main St., Mama Rosina's at 350 E. Main St., La Reina Bakery at 222 E. Main St.,and more all remain open.

Fazen estimated Main Street between John Street and Drake Street would be reopened by the end of this week.

"We are almost done with cleanup," Fazen said. "One of the properties, the Meridia II on the southside still has to demolish their elevator towers before we can clean the street."

The north side cleanup has pretty much been completed and Fazen noted many residents who were evacuated as a precaution on that side have been allowed to return their homes.

The boarding house, that was destroyed by the fire, had seven residents who have since been moved into new places by the landlord, Fazen said.

A rental home with six residents was also destroyed. Fazen said monetary donations have helped to cover hotel or rental expenses for those displaced.

Fazen advised against donations of food and clothing as the Salvation Army has received an overwhelming response. So much that they are unable to accept any more donations due to lack of space.

However, the borough is still collecting money. Money can be sent to at 230 Hamilton St.
Bound Brook, NJ 08805 with the note "fire recovery" in the memo line. The borough is then distributing the money to local churches to get it to those in need.

The Somerset Patriots have also helped out and donated $10,000 and Somerset Savings Bank donated $6,000.

When asked if Fazen was happy with the cleanup progress he said "very much so."

"I go to bed every night worrying about what might of happened without the response of the over 20 fire departments," Fazen said. "Bound Brook is a very clustered community and you can’t say how far the fire could’ve gone without the help from neighboring municipalities."

The investigation into the fire is continuing, according to Somerset County Prosecutor's Office.

Just as Bound Brook's downtown area was getting back onto its feet following Hurricane Floyd in 1999, a fire Sunday ripped through a new-construction apartment building complex called Meridia 2 near the train station, at 7:53 p.m. (See Related: Roads, Schools Impacted After 7-Alarm Fire Rages In Bound Brook)

Juan Hector Padilla, 28, of East Second Street in Bound Brook was arrested and charged on Jan. 13 with second-degree aggravated arson and third-degree hindering investigation apprehension/false information in connection with the fire.

• See Related: Bound Brook Man Charged With Setting Massive 7-Alarm Fire

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