Market on Hope Street Vandalized — Due to Opposition to Bike Lanes

Market on Hope Street Vandalized — Due to Opposition to Bike Lanes

A small business on Hope Street on the East Side of Providence was vandalized — due to its opposition to bike lanes in the commercial area. 

Bubbie’s Market and Deli, which first opened in 2021 and features a Shabbat and Rosh Hashanah menu, made the assertion on Thursday.

“Our store was mildly vandalized yesterday because of a sign we have on our door.  Not a political sign supporting any party's agenda...not a rainbow or anything about abortion....A sign stating our view on the city's agenda to add a bike lane on our street.  A street that lacks parking as it is and a proposal to remove 130 parking spaces in a mixed use business district,” said the store. 

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In a letter sent to Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza in August, more than 20 small business owners urged the proposed "urban trail" trial on Hope Street to be canceled.

“Still reeling from COVID losses, we fear an unnecessary interruption of business in the short-term, and have serious concerns about the project in general. We are strongly opposed to both the upcoming trial and the plan itself,” the businesses wrote.

“Please come out and show your support for the Hope Street Merchants from 10/1-10/8.  Be prepared to search a little for parking.  Feel free to use our parking lot located on the north side of Braman Street behind our store.  Shana Tova and thank you,” they continued. 

 

 

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GoLocal spoke with owner Jeff Ingber about the incident. 

"It seems like it was a one-off. A gentleman walked in the store and said, 'Do you really have a 'Preserve Hope Street' sign up?" said Ingber, of the signs merchants have posted in opposition to the bike lanes.

"He started screaming at me before leaving and ripping the sign down," said Ingber of the incident that took place on Wednesday. "Look -- this isn't political vitriol. If he had said, 'Let's have a conversation about this," I would have said fine."

Ingber said from what he hears from most customers who come in, however, is that the neighboring area doesn't want the bike lanes. 

"I'd say about 95%," he said.