QUESTION
What is the Department of Small Business Services (SBS) doing to address vacant storefronts along commercial corridors like Merrick Boulevard in District 31?
0:29:27
·
85 sec
The Department of Small Business Services (SBS) is taking steps to address vacant storefronts along commercial corridors.
- SBS brings its Mobile Business Services van (Moby van) to commercial districts to provide services.
- SBS works to help business owners secure beneficial commercial lease terms to open storefronts and stay operational longer in areas with high vacancy rates.
- SBS engages with property owners to better understand what is causing vacancies in specific areas.
- SBS is open to taking a tour of problematic areas like Merrick Boulevard in District 31 to assess the situation.
Selvena N. Brooks-Powers
0:29:27
So how are you using the data in terms of how you're doing outreach specifically in district 31 because, again, along a lot of our merchant corridors, there are high vacancy rates I think about Merrick Boulevard and Laurelton.
0:29:42
Like, there's an entire block almost that's fully vacant.
0:29:46
And so what is in the toolbox for SBS to be able to address that because it's a blight on the community and it's unsafe there at times where we had people squatting in there.
0:29:59
We've had to call law enforcement to try and get them out because there are unsafe conditions as a result of that.
Tian Weinberg
0:30:06
So council member really appreciate the question.
0:30:08
And as you know, commissioner Kim is so dedicated to outreach, and he's been to every council district himself.
0:30:14
We would love to, you know, take a tour of that specific area and engage the property owners to better understand what's going on.
0:30:22
As deputy commissioner Brown said, there's a multi, you know, different tools that we can use at SBS.
0:30:28
1st and foremost, our business services, You know, our Moby van, we bring it out into the commercial districts.
0:30:34
We're out in New York City, and we've really focused on providing commercial leases to instance in those areas where we can identify business owners who are interested in moving into districts and work with them to find beneficial lease terms that will actually help them open the storefront and stay operational for longer.
← Previous Chapter
What are the factors contributing to the high storefront vacancy rate in Council Member Selvena Brooks-Powers' district in Queens, and how does the Department of Small Business Services (SBS) target its outreach efforts to improve these rates?
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What assistance is available for businesses facing foreclosure or lease issues?
