Councilmember Sandra Ung and recently appointed Department of Small Business Services (SBS) Commissioner Dynishal Gross visited Murray Hill on Wednesday afternoon to discuss issues facing the largely immigrant-owned small business community there. Joining them was Ahyoung Kim, director of Economic Empowerment for the Asian American Federation (AAF).

“Murray Hill is a neighborhood that has flourished over the past two decades, thanks in large part to the hardworking Korean immigrant community that has built a vibrant and thriving business district,” said Councilmember Sandra Ung. “These businesses not only provide essential goods and services, but they are also the backbone of our local economy. However, we know that small businesses, especially immigrant-owned businesses, face unique challenges.  It’s not just about helping them comply with regulations—it’s about ensuring they have the tools they need to thrive, grow, and continue contributing to the fabric of our city.”

“It was so valuable to join Council Member Sandra Ung, AAF Director of Economic Empowerment Ahyoung Kim, and members of the Murray Hill Merchant Association for a walk in the heart of the Korean community in Murray Hill, Queens,” said SBS Commissioner Dynishal Gross. “Our discussion ranged from the post-pandemic challenges of individual business to shared concerns about safety and corridor conditions. SBS is grateful to have such dedicated partners to help inform our work and connect community members to responsive services.”

“Murray Hill boasts a vibrant immigrant commercial area, renowned for offering some of the finest Korean food in New York City,” said Ahyoung Kim of AAF.  “I was thrilled to introduce the new SBS Commissioner Dynishal Gross, to our collaborative efforts with the community to maintain the success of these businesses. We thank Councilmember Sandra Ung for her unwavering support. We are committed to working with local small businesses through district marketing, advocacy and technical assistance to keep this neighborhood thriving.”

Councilmember Ung and Commissioner Gross spoke with small business owners and employees at Hahm Ji Bach (40-11 149^th Place), Yuk Jun Gui (41-05 150^th Street), Mahsil (40-07 150^th Street), Janchi Myeonga (40-16A 150^th Street), and Coffee Factory (718 Barton Avenue).  Collectively, they represent a mix of longtime and new Korean-owned businesses in Murray Hill, from Mahsil, which has been open for three years, to Hahm Ji Bach, which has a 25-year history in the neighborhood.

During their visit to Hahm Ji Bach, which is owned by Murray Hill Merchant Association President Young Hwan Kim, Councilmember Ung and Commissioner Gross discussed the issues facing the small business community centered around the LIRR station. 

The area, known colloquially as Murray Hill Food Alley, includes 88 strorefronts occupied predominately by restaurants, according to a Commercial District Needs Assessment published in 2022 through a partnership between AAF and SBS.

According to business owners, a major need for the area is improvements to transportation infrastructure. That includes converting some of the neighborhood’s narrower streets to one-way roads, as well as safety improvements, particularly at 150^th Street and 41^st Avenue, a confusing and dangerous intersection that lacks crosswalks and traffic-control measures. 

Another issue is public safety around the LIRR station, where unruly behavior often impacts the local business community. Over the past two years, Councilmember Ung has allocated over $500,000 to install Argus cameras throughout the 109^th Precinct, and has requested specifically that some of those cameras be installed around the station to help deter crime. 

During a visit with Mahsil owner Yoon Joo Lee, Commissioner Gross discussed an initiative to help restaurants in Councilmember Ung’s district transition from COVID-era outdoor dining to the new Dining Out NYC program. SBS will work with restaurant owners to provide a customized outdoor dining setup at no cost, with installation at select restaurants starting in April of 2025.

The program is possible through funding secured by Congresswoman Grace Meng. Restaurant owners interested in learning more about the program should complete a form on the SBS website. The form is available in 10 languages. 

“I want to thank Commissioner Gross for visiting Murray Hill to meet with our small business owners, and I look forward to working with her in the future to ensure that resources are available to help them succeed,” said Councilmember Ung. “Together, we will keep working to make sure that the entrepreneurial spirit that defines neighborhoods like Murray Hill can continue to thrive.”