Saving Local Stores

From bakeries to coffeeshops to bookstores to diners - our favorite ‘spots’ in the neighborhood give our community character and vibrancy. As these local and family owned businesses contend with the same rising rents facing so many in the neighborhood, they have also been dealing with a changing world and economic factors that none of us dreamed of, years ago. I have worked with local partners, State actors, and neighborhood leaders to give our local business the tools they need to succeed, and continue providing their services to local residents.

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Keeping Doors OPen

I am proud to be the lead author of several bills in Albany aimed at filling empty storefronts and helping long time local businesses survive. From legislation requiring that small business have fair negotiations when it comes time to renew their lease, to changing the incentives for landlords to leave their storefronts vacant - I am fighting to make sure our streets stay full of activity and opportunity. I’ve stood up to big business and online retailers seeking to move in to New York City and push aside our local businesses, and I’m not going to stop.