A Helping Hand for Mom-and-Pop Retailers
After yesterday’s discussion about mom-and-pop retailers getting squeezed out of their neighborhoods by larger chain stores, we wre interested to read of Mayor Bloomberg’s latest appointee, the newly-minted executive director of retail development. Part of the Department of Small Business, the position, filled by Michelle Mooney, right, was created to work with local community development…
After yesterday’s discussion about mom-and-pop retailers getting squeezed out of their neighborhoods by larger chain stores, we wre interested to read of Mayor Bloomberg’s latest appointee, the newly-minted executive director of retail development. Part of the Department of Small Business, the position, filled by Michelle Mooney, right, was created to work with local community development corporations and BIDs to upgrade their retail offerings. One of Mooney’s first efforts is Flatbush Junction, where Starbucks has already arrived and Target is on the way.
“Usually the disconnect between residents and retail happens when neighborhoods are in transition,” Ms. Mooney said. “Sometimes properties are making money from other things and not from the retail, such as billboards. Second and third floors are often empty, and even stairways have been removed. If the upstairs were converted to residential, there would be even greater demand for a better mix of retail in the area.”
Despite the recent success of the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership, its executive director is looking forward to having some unbiased input from someone like Ms. Mooney: “We’ve been getting by without, but when we come up with a strategy, it would be great to have someone we can go to who isn’t a broker to get a second opinion.”
Retail Czar for Mom and Pop [NY Times]
So where are you supposed to shop if you don’t want acrylic nails, your hair done, drugs/personal care items, or 99 cent miscellany? I didn’t say these were not legitimate retailers, just that the area could do with a little diversity in its shopping choices. No place is perfect, and this one will only become better — what’s wrong with saying that?
And I like Carribean food a lot — I just like to have other options (beyond fast food) — or hiking to Foster Ave for Italian.
And those things will come, like it or not, and apartment prices in the neighborhood will go up, in part as a result. And this will only be a good thing for all concerned.
Move over, Lefferts! Time for a Flatbush Junction war!
I just want to say that POPS is my favorite poster these days. And yes, I know: what’s with MY fancy schmancy handle? I should be called Sout Brooklyn!
“You must admit, however, that apart from nail salons, hairdressers, 99 cent shops, fast food, and drugstores (seems to have nearly one of each major chain except Eckerd’s) the retail/dining pickings are rather slim.”
Not true. The types of establishments you mentioned are all legitimate retail. And there are plenty of dining options in that area, especially Caribbean food. Just because they don’t conform to your yuppie tastes does not mean they are “slim pickings”. Anon 1:32 makes a good point.
I didn’t mean to imply it wasn’t a neighborhood — quite the opposite. You must admit, however, that apart from nail salons, hairdressers, 99 cent shops, fast food, and drugstores (seems to have nearly one of each major chain except Eckerd’s) the retail/dining pickings are rather slim.
That’s why I say it’s such a good buy now — a big 1 bedroom in a nice elevator building for $160K is a steal, and the area will only improve. And the nearby Victorian (actually Edwardian I’m told) homes already sell for $1 million and up.
The flatbush junction area is already a neighborhood babs. Just because it’s not all the yuppie/artsie types on this site doesn’t mean it’s not an area that isn’t in existence and isn’t hot! The only reason the brownstone set would move around that area are because of the nearby victorian homes.
anon @1:14, the kings plaza area, is in the marine park/mill basin area, and true, it isn’t an area you here about on this site.I’m sure most people on this site haven’t ever ventured to that area.
I thought the Kings Plaza area was the border of Flatlands? Now that’s a neighborhood you never hear about on this site!
Your tax dollars at work