West Villagers will rally this week to save an 80-year-old neighborhood newsstand operated by immigrant brothers beloved for handing out M&M’s on loan, signing for residents’ packages and even helping collar thieves.
The city shut down Afzal and Altab Shaikh’s Thompson Newsstand at Thompson and West Third streets in December, saying it blocked a fire escape above it and didn’t allow enough room for pedestrians, coming 20 inches shy of the mandated 8 feet of clearance.
Hundreds of protesters – including Democratic state Sen. Thomas Duane and City Councilman Alan Gerson – will demonstrate at the newsstand Thursday. Three hundred residents have signed a petition.
“The newsstand has been there for 80 years, and it hasn’t bothered anyone,” said Afzal, 34, a native of India who has run the stand the last five years. “Why do this now?”
“I am so blessed that I was able to work at such a special place. They weren’t customers – they were friends.”