"I tried like every avenue," Robinson said.Debts, including back rent, multiplied to $500,000, while applications were rejected again and again.
"I got several excuses. One being, oh my business didn't exist. Another one is that I filed too many applications. Another one, I didn't have enough employees," Robinson said. Now he learns two new audits by City Comptroller Brad Lander uncovered"inadequate oversight by the Department of Small Business Services," with two COVID-19 assistance programs for"zero-interest loans" and"partial payroll grants."
As the city mobilized in 2020 and kept thousands of local businesses afloat, the Bronx got the smallest piece of the pie.Bronx Borough President Vanessa GibsonGibson said what also angers her about the comptroller's audit is the finding that Manhattan got more than its fair share. Manhattan businesses received close to 57% of the loans, compared to 2.2% in the Bronx.
Part of the problem, according to Landers' office, is hundreds of loans and thousands of grants were provided on a first-come, first-serve basis, which may have favored the more business-savvy operations in Manhattan."We will right this wrong. I am not going to accept Bronx businesses being shortchanged, ignored and denied opportunities," Gibson added.