Roselle Park Business Owner Recounts Devastating Flood Damage

Torrential Rains Cause Widespread Flooding

• 🌧️ Torrential rains rapidly flooded multiple streets in Roselle Park, leading to road closures and stalled vehicles.
• ⚠️ Authorities cautioned drivers not to go around barricades due to unknown water depths.

Dowling's Irish Pub Suffers Significant Damage

• 🍀 Russell, the owner of Dowling's Irish pub, described the extensive damage from flooding within his establishment.
• 🌊 Water levels inside the restaurant reached 6 inches to a foot, necessitating a major cleanup effort.
• 💡 The community rallied to help, with people from the tight-knit restaurant scene assisting in the cleanup after seeing posts on Facebook.

Rebuilding After Repeated Flooding

• 💔 This is not the first time the pub has been hit; Russell mentioned a similar devastating flood occurred four to five years ago during Hurricane Ida.
• 📈 Despite the repeated setbacks and the emotional toll, Russell expressed a determination to rebuild and keep the business running.
• 😔 He described the situation as heartbreaking, emphasizing the effort and love poured into the business, calling it their "baby."

Community Impact and Support

• 🏘️ Several other businesses on Chestnut Street, including an Italian restaurant, a boxing gym, and a hair salon, also experienced significant flood damage.
• 🚗 While furniture can be replaced, Russell expressed relief that his staff and customers were safe, acknowledging that reports of people trapped in cars were more serious.
• 🙏 Russell urged the community to support local businesses by patronizing them, highlighting that these businesses contribute to and support the community in return.