I liked the proposal to require corporations and chains to get the approval of the community board before opening on a local shopping street. I think the real solution here is giving more actual power to the community boards so they can accurately represent the needs of the community though the purest form of democratic action. I think that the law should go farther than just requiring chains to get the approval of the community boards, all businesses that represent higher rent for existing tenants should have to prove how they will contribute to the area in a positive way. Now, bars and restaurants need the approval of the community board to get their liquor license but they should need all of their proposals accepted before they open. The other forms of local government in the LES have failed the businesses that either used to exist there or are struggling to exist there now. Corrupt Assemblyman Sheldon Silver was more concerned with lining his own pockets than preserving the character of Orchard street. Rosie Mendez, the City Councilwoman has sponsored a number of mostly failed bills that are meant to protect local shops. The community board should have the power to influence how their community changes. There are realities of the market to contend with and a strong local government is the only way to make sure people aren’t getting completely screwed over.
I think the closure of some of the iconic New York institutions like CBGB’s over the last 15 years is one of the saddest things to happen to the cities character. Only once the boom stops and the gentrification runs out of steam will people be begging for the mom n’ pop stores that created the New York appeal they commercialized and stole.
There should be consultants within the city government that help local businesses adapt to a changing marketplace. Software engineers that give advice on expanding a web presence and advertising specialists that expand a stores presence should at least be partially subsidized by the city. It sounds like this would take away from the entrepreneurial spirit of commerce and make people dependent on government for innovation but really it would push small business in the right, sustainable direction. Corporations are subsidized with tax payer money that they don’t really need so why should small businesses not be getting help in the areas they really need help in. Tax breaks and cash are not enough to keep business going through sky rocketing rent,
Russ and Daughters, Katz’s, and the 2nd Ave Deli are part of the elite local institutions that managed to brand their way through gentrification and commercialization. I mean, a pastrami sandwich should not be 17-18 dollars and a bagel with loxs should not be 8-10 dollars but they have to do it to survive and the crowds of tourists they draw certainly helps.
(P.S, after watching the Orchard street video I am definitely going down there for a leather coat, I need one.)
Questions:
What are your customer usually in here for?
Do you have a lot of regular customers?
How much contact have you had with local government?
I’m with you on more power for the community boards, Ben–but can you imagine the protest that would erupt from all kinds of businesses if this rule were established???!!! CB3 on the Lower East Side has in fact opposed liquor licenses (as have most community boards!), but remember that, as with zoning and land use issues, their vote is not binding; their decision goes in an advisory way to the State Liquor Authority.