The below letter was sent to elected officials as well as the press, and expresses this organization’s profound disappointment regarding the recent conduct and public remarks of Councilmember Kamillah Hanks directed toward Jody’s Club Forest Restaurant, a respected establishment and cornerstone of the West Brighton and North Shore communities for more than fifty years.
As public servants entrusted with representing residents and supporting small businesses, we believe such actions were inappropriate and unbecoming of an elected official, particularly one who holds the distinguished position of Majority Whip of the New York City Council. Public disagreements should be handled with professionalism and respect, not in a manner that may undermine the reputation of longstanding businesses and the hardworking individuals they employ.
Our diverse communities are strengthened when elected leaders unite people around common goals. Unfortunately, this conduct has had the opposite effect, fostering unnecessary division and discord among residents and business owners. At a time when small businesses continue to face numerous challenges, they deserve encouragement and support, not public disparagement, especially on issues which should remain private.
We respectfully ask that you review the attached correspondence and join us in reaffirming the importance of civility, professionalism, and responsible leadership. The people of Staten Island deserve representatives who bring communities together, not actions that further divide them.
Thank you for your consideration and your continued commitment to the residents and small businesses of Staten Island.
Respectfully,
We are profoundly disappointed by the recent remarks directed toward Jody’s Club Forest, located at 372 Forest Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10301.
For more than fifty years, Jody’s Club Forest has been a respected restaurant and speakeasy establishment and a staple of the North Shore community.
We are equally disappointed by the conduct displayed by Councilmember Kamillah Hanks who represents the 49th District of Staten Island. Such behavior continues to diminish the dignity and prestige associated with the position of Majority Whip of the New York City Council. No elected official should publicly denounce or criticize a longstanding and reputable business in this manner.
As representatives of Port Richmond, one of the most diverse communities on Staten Island and perhaps in all of New York City, we understand firsthand the challenges immigrant entrepreneurs and small business owners face in operating healthy, clean, and responsible establishments. Maintaining a successful business for over five decades is an achievement worthy of recognition and respect.
Personal disagreements should be addressed privately. Public attacks and reckless rhetoric carry consequences that extend beyond individuals and can negatively impact businesses, employees, and the broader community.
We stand firmly with Jody’s Club Forest, just as we stand with all reputable and responsible small businesses throughout the North Shore and Staten Island. These establishments are part of the fabric of our communities and deserve to be treated with fairness, professionalism, and respect.
Below is what Councilmember Hanks said in a screenshot from Twitter and the response by Jody’s Club Forest:
Jody’s reply on Instagram: As the owner of Jody’s, I was genuinely disappointed to read this — not from a customer, but from an elected official who has built her public platform around supporting small businesses, inclusion, and bringing our community together.
We did exactly what a community restaurant is supposed to do. We opened our doors. We welcomed the Young Democrats of Richmond County. We treated them with kindness, respect, and hospitality — the same way we treat every person who walks through our doors.
We didn’t ask their political beliefs. We didn’t ask who they voted for. We didn’t see Democrats or Republicans sitting at our tables.
We saw our neighbors.
So to have a public official turn around and suggest that we ‘don’t like these kids’ and are only interested in taking their money is not just disappointing — it represents the exact kind of division so many leaders claim they want to move past.
Small businesses are not political props. They are built by hardworking people, employees, families, and communities. The people behind them deserve the same respect and grace that elected officials often ask from others.
We will continue doing what we’ve always done: welcoming everyone — regardless of politics, background, or beliefs.
Because inclusion isn’t something you campaign on. It’s something you practice.
Our door remains open to all. Thank you Mrs. Hanks.
Banner Image: Assembly member Charles Fall presents award recognizing 50 years of service on Staten Island. Image Credit – Jody’s Club Forest
Port Richmond North Shore Alliance
Port Richmond /North Shore Alliance was formed to Preserve the History of Port Richmond. Port Richmond was once a major source of shopping for food, clothing, and many other items. The majority of stores today are primarily Small Businesses which are owned by families, many of whom live in the Port Richmond Area and the North Shore. We are here to preserve the name, improve Quality of Life, and make Port Richmond and surrounding neighborhoods a safe place to live with family. We are confronting ANY project that would jeopardize a safe living environment in the community such as reckless Development, reckless Business Owners and reckless Landlords. We have a proven track record of success. We provide the community with the luxury of knowing that if you have a problem - we have a problem - and WE HAVE SOLUTIONS. Participating in our efforts is always a good thing. Be a part of the neighborhood. Be a part of great things to happen.