« 558 Lafayette: What Gives? | Home | One Way Blue Man »
A Shopping Destination
By The Changeling | July 24, 2007
A reader contacted me so that we could start a discussion about the proposed changes for the Fulton-Nostrand business strips in our neighborhood. Since he knew a lot more than I did regarding this impending development, I invited him to do a guest post about it. The Livest One submitted the You Tube vid and guest post below:
A SHOPPING DESTINATION
Guest Post by: The Livest One
For those of you unaware of the Bed-Stuy Gateway, there is a crucial improvement being proposed that has the ability to affect everything from local property value to the cultural enclave of Bedford-Stuyvesant. I am speaking of the Business Improvement District (BID) proposal that would revitalize Fulton St. (from Classon Ave, to Troy/Lewis Ave), including a few blocks North and South of Nostrand Ave. According to bedstuygateway.com, residents are demanding a more attractive and diverse retail than currently exists and a revitalized Fulton St. would provide the aesthetic environment to lure new retail and restaurants in.
Coming from the mid-west where corporate chains have taken over a large number of locally owned businesses, I have some reservations about this, specifically who the new retail and restaurants could be. Corporate chains? More locally owned shops? A mixture of both? I must say that I’m completely for the improvement of business opportunities within Bed-Stuy, and I would love to see a better retail selection here, but the delivery of such a plan must be balanced and regulated. It’s a strange transition to see how the dynamics of cities, neighborhoods, and blocks all begin to look and feel the same when chains tip the scales in their favor. I certainly do not want to see that happen to Bed-Stuy, so I would like to get a discussion going. What are your thoughts of a BID? Is one needed in Bed-Stuy?
Also, for those of you that would like to speak with someone from the Fulton-Nostrand United Merchants Assciation, they are having their monthly breakfast meeting tomorrow morning. According to their agenda, they will not be speaking directly on the BID, but the local community is invited to sit in with an RSVP. Breakfast will be provided by Applebee’s.
RSVP to bmitchell@restorationplaza.org or call 718-636-6989
FNUMA July Breakfast Meeting
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
8:30 AM - 10:30 AM
First Floor Multipurpose Room, 1368 Fulton Street, Brooklyn, NY 11216
Many thanks to The Livest One for this guest post!
July 24th, 2007 at 11:21 pm
I think a BID is definitely needed. I wish that there was the same push to create a BID for Myrtle east of Classon. The Fort Greene/Clinton Hill section of Myrtle has an ever-increasing variety of shops while the Bed-Stuy section of Myrtle looks pitiful, with many shabby and vacant storefronts. If a BID can promise a clean streetscape and a shopping experience that goes beyond beauty supplies, handbags, cell phones and discount clothing, I’m for it.
July 25th, 2007 at 1:26 pm
I spoke with FNUMA Executive Director & Commercial Revitalization Manager of the Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Corp., Joel Dabu this morning after the meeting. He was very open to discussing the improvements & concerns being planned on Fulton Street, and is willing to answer any questions the community may have. From what was mentioned, FNUMA will be starting work on a design plan, as the city has approved 7.9 Million dollars to fund the revitalization project. Changes will most likely begin to take place in late spring of 2008.
I would encourage everyone to stay involved with what is happening here, as this will directly affect all of us.
Joel Dabu - jdabu@restorationplaza.org
July 25th, 2007 at 1:53 pm
I know one thing that is needed with those businesses, and that is their responsibility to the community to clean up the street and the appearance of their businesses. They don’t support the community or care about the appearance of their businesses. They disrespect the hand that feeds them, and they should be forced to change or forced out of business. They could not conduct business in any other area in this manor.
July 30th, 2007 at 8:52 am
This blog’s information is very rich.i very like it
July 30th, 2007 at 8:57 am
Thanks Bashe! It helps to have great “correspondents” like The Livest One.