QUEENS, N.Y. (PIX11) — Business owners in Queens are calling for stronger public safety measures after an attempted break-in at one of Woodhaven’s most well-known landmarks.

The incident happened earlier this month at Neir’s Tavern, a nearly 200-year-old establishment in Woodhaven. Surveillance video shows at least four men with their faces covered, apparently trying to force their way into the building.

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On Saturday, small business owners, community members and organizers came together for a summit focused on safety and crime prevention.

The goal was to share information, support one another and discuss ways to better protect local businesses.

“This is terrible. This is not the environment we want to live in,” said Loycent Gordon, owner of Neir’s Tavern.

Rachel Kellner of Aigner Chocolates said security upgrades have become an expensive but necessary part of operating a small business.

“We have cameras in front of our businesses, the side of our business, motion detectors, but all of those things cost so much money,” Kellner said.

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Business owners said the attempted break-in at Neir’s Tavern is part of a broader pattern. They told PIX11 News that as many as 15 stores in the area have been targeted since mid-February.

At Neir’s Tavern, damage from the attempted robbery is still visible. The owner said repairs tied to the incident are expected to cost more than $7,000.

“There are so many economic conditions against us, and crime, which we are subjected to now, is on the rise,” Gordon said.

The merchants at the gathering also said they were frustrated by what they described as a lack of communication after recent crimes in the area.

“Nothing was communicated to all the businesses. They were subjected to burglary, and nobody really knew,” said Gordon. “Within 3 miles of my business, if there’s a burglary to another business, I should know. This would be our version of the Amber Alert.”

Organizers said small businesses account for about 50% of jobs in New York City, making their safety and stability critical to local communities.

They said more meetings and safety discussions are expected in the coming weeks as they continue pushing for action from city leaders.

“Your words mean nothing. Your actions mean everything at this point,” one business owner said, addressing elected officials.

The NYPD told PIX11 News there have been no arrests.

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