February 17, 2011
By Staff Reporter
The blaze began at 939 McLean Ave. and was caused by a defective heating device, according to the official. The address houses two businesses, 939 Sports and Mr. O New York Salon.
Other businesses affected were McLean Bagel, Expressions Flower Shop, and a Carvel ice cream shop.
The fire occurred along McLean Avenue, which is home to many Irish-owned businesses in the thriving Irish enclave of Yonkers.
Oliver Charles, owner of the Butcher’s Fancy, which is on the same block as the fire, said he noticed what seemed like major roof damage on the buildings affected.
“A couple of businesses were definitely destroyed,” he said.
McLean Bagel suffered the least damage of the businesses affected, but had to put reopening on hold following a Health Department inspection.
John Raniolo, owner of McLean Bagel was cleaning up on Tuesday afternoon. “We’re going to be closed until probably after New Year’s,” he said. “But we’re definitely the lucky ones.”
He had originally planned to reopen this weekend, but cited that stringent rules for establishments serving food made it impossible. “It turned out to be worse than it looked,” he said of the damage.
“We really feel sorry for the other ones,” said Raniolo. “But this is a hell of a neighborhood, and everyone’s supporting us.”