THE BRONX, N.Y. (PIX11) — Unsheltered individuals wandering on East Kingsbridge Road and homeless encampments in this area are causing businesses to struggle to keep their customers.

Many told PIX11 News the situation is out of their hands. Business owners are asking the city to remove these homeless individuals and to place them in a program where they can receive the assistance they need, including mental health and drug addiction.

“They have mattresses, they got cushions from the couches, they made a little bed over here when it rains. It’s been really bad,” said Narelin Rivera, who shared pictures and videos with PIX11 of what she said the outside of her dress store looks like on a regular basis.

“Full of food, Syringes, everything, a little bit of everything,” she added.

The Department of Sanitation came in and cleared the area Monday night, but the homeless were already making their way back Tuesday. She said this is impacting her business.

“People don’t want come in because when they are not there in the front, they are on the side, they come in here sometimes,” Rivera said.

PIX11 News noticed individuals eating on filthy sidewalks, digging through open trash bags and using clothes while covering the story.

“It is a lot of them here. We need help for them to clear all of them out of here,” said Bala Jalo, owner of a clothing store.

Over at his deli, Jose Mechaca explained that customers are hesitant to come into his business and that others are choosing not to come in at all.

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“The situation is getting bad and bad because a lot of people sleeping on the floor, a lot of needles and a lot of garbage,” Mechaca explained.

Business owners and workers are concerned about how this is impacting their pockets and the neighborhood overall.

“It is not safe because there is a school across the street; children are curious, so if they see one of these syringes,” concluded Rivera.

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