What kind of NEW Businesses would you like on Washington Avenue?

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What kind of NEW Businesses would you like on Washington Avenue?

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whynot_31
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The Heart of Brooklyn (located in a small storefront on Washington near EP) is seeking ideas on what kind of NEW businesses you would like to fill the twenty-four (24) still empty storefronts on Washington Avenue.

http://www.heartofbrooklyn.org/

Sorry, they aren't interested in hearing from people who would like even more Food/Bars and Hair/Nail Salons.

They are looking for NEW businesses that the community would financially support. Entities that you think would be economically sustainable.

If they get some good ideas, they will actively out reach to businesses in other parts of the city providing similar services and "pitch" the benefits of opening a location here.

In addition to getting ideas via this thread and other web means, they will be requesting input at the Economic Development Committee of Community Board 8. This committee will next meet on Feb 12, 2013 at 6:30pm at CNR on 727 Classon Avenue, corner of Park Place.

Please note: whynot_31 does not represent Heart of Brooklyn or CB 8. This post merely solicits comments that will be forwarded to them.

Let the jabbering commence....

Mods: Sorry for the double post. Washington Ave is the dividing line between PH and CH, so I figured two posts was the way to go.

For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor.

# Posted 5 mos ago
kenieva
getting it
Joined: Sep '06
Posts: 130

Bookstore!

# Posted 5 mos ago
chloeroyale
getting it
Joined: Dec '12
Posts: 230

Why not , what happened over there it seems like a ghost town what happened to the optical shop diva desires the beauty supply shop ? They are all gone? The only business that seems the same is toms

# Posted 5 mos ago
whynot_31
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Joined: Mar '06
Posts: 16,367

You'd have to ask the business owners for the exact reasons they closed, but it is not unusual for there to be lots of businesses to close when a neighborhood changes and rent prices change.

Many can not afford the new rents, and/or have moved to areas where they think they will be more successful.

For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor.

# Posted 5 mos ago
chloeroyale
getting it
Joined: Dec '12
Posts: 230

Got u. I have a friend who has a business around there and she told me that one day she was in the store for 12 hours and only one person came into the store and that person was the mailman. And she will probably be closing soon.

# Posted 5 mos ago
whynot_31
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Joined: Mar '06
Posts: 16,367

Yup. As their old customer base moves away, businesses have to either attract a new customer base "here", OR become such a destination that thier prior customers will travel a distance to spend money with them, OR move their business to a place where they think they will be able to get customers.

Clay Films and I had a really good discussion about it on this thread about the changes that are going on Nostrand: http://brooklynian.com/forum/crown-heights-and-prospect-lefferts-gardens/connecticut-muffin-coming-to-nostrand-ave

Returning to Washington Ave, I find it wierd that we don't have one of those places that sells good winter hats and gloves, umbrellas, and the like.

Mason on Franklin has some ok selection, but the store wouldn't need to be that large. It could be one of those tiny stores I see around. Nothing real fancy.

In the summer, the store could sell sunglasses and umbrellas.

Keneiva-
I can't think of any bookstores on Washington or Franklin.

Do you go to that bookstore on Vanderbilt? http://unnameablebooks.blogspot.com/
I rarely see people in there, and don't know how they stay in business.

There are some specialty bookstores on Nostrand near Atlantic, those seems busy.

For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor.

# Posted 5 mos ago
burningorange
getting it
Joined: May '05
Posts: 60

I think a pet groomer would be great. I used to take my dog to posh pets on flatbush but they have closed up because the landlord didn't renew the lease. (Apparently the landlord is kicking out the tenants on the whole block to build a big condo complex or something of that sort.)

Also it makes me really frustrated that the pharmacy isn't open on Sunday and closes early other days (before I can get home from work.) I always have to walk over to Duane Reade on Flatbush and 7th ave.

A store that sells some art supplies and other office supplies would be good too.

# Posted 5 mos ago
chloeroyale
getting it
Joined: Dec '12
Posts: 230

Wow kicking out the whole block !!! Oh we'll who really has the power there!

# Posted 5 mos ago
newguy88
what am I, new?
Joined: Aug '12
Posts: 225

I've been wising for a good and affordable sports bar/grill.

# Posted 5 mos ago
chloeroyale
getting it
Joined: Dec '12
Posts: 230

Alcohol alcohol that's the get high for the hipsters

# Posted 5 mos ago
Jack Krohn
My Baby's Gone Shootin'
Joined: Dec '05
Posts: 1,075

I've shopped in Unnameable Books every so often and find that they have a good selection. I recently went there on a Saturday and it was pretty crowded. Many used bookstores do a big online business nowadays, using half.com or abebooks.com so perhaps that's how they pay their rent.

I think Washington Ave should have its own artisinal mayonaise store. The one on Vanderbilt is so busy that every avenue from Underhill to Rockaway Ave needs one. Especially if they employ Trinidadian strippers.

# Posted 5 mos ago
artistichic
;-P
Joined: Jan '13
Posts: 2

Pet Groomer as there are a lo of pet owners off of Franklin Ave.

# Posted 5 mos ago
chloeroyale
getting it
Joined: Dec '12
Posts: 230

I would love that but I think my pet is attached to Rocco and Jezebel

# Posted 5 mos ago
whynot_31
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This pet groomer is in the immediate area of Washington Ave:

http://www.yelp.com/biz/fanci-pooches-and-purrs-spa-boutique-brooklyn

Perhaps they need to market more?

For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor.

# Posted 5 mos ago
ehgee
getting it
Joined: Dec '12
Posts: 76

newguy88- there's a sports bar at Park and Washington:
http://www.yelp.com/biz/half-court-sports-bar-brooklyn
According to Yelp, $10 pitchers and BYO food from any of the restaurants around, so definitely affordable. My roommate likes to catch Steelers games there.

# Posted 5 mos ago
chloeroyale
getting it
Joined: Dec '12
Posts: 230

Why not I took my pet there the service was poor it should not take eight hrs for grooming

# Posted 5 mos ago
whynot_31
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Readers, please keep the good ideas coming!

....let's remember, the Community Development types aren't going to seek out additional food/bars or nail/salon places....

And, they aren't going to look for businesses that directly compete with those already on the avenue.

NEW business ideas please....

For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor.

# Posted 5 mos ago
chloeroyale
getting it
Joined: Dec '12
Posts: 230

Why not competition is best for the consumer and I'm a consumer

# Posted 5 mos ago
whynot_31
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Joined: Mar '06
Posts: 16,367

Competition is good, and I am all for more of it, but those are not ideas this thread seeks.

In otherwords, I do not seek a conversation on what Washington Avenue businesses are "great" or what businesses "suck".

I seek ideas on what NEW types of businesses you (and other readers) believe will be economically sustainable on the avenue....

We can talk about competition later, in a different thread. ...I'll still be here.

For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor.

# Posted 5 mos ago
chloeroyale
getting it
Joined: Dec '12
Posts: 230

Ok what about a salad bar?

# Posted 5 mos ago
whynot_31
Former Lurker
Joined: Mar '06
Posts: 16,367

Chloe-
Salad is a food. One eats salad.

Maybe these lists will cause you to think of something that is not a food/bar or salon/nail, that you would like on Washington Ave:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Retail#Types_of_retail_outlets

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Service_industries

This one lists 1200 careers. Could we benefit from having more people with these skill sets nearby? http://www.careerplanner.com/ListOfCareers.cfm

For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor.

# Posted 5 mos ago
missd90
what am I, new?
Joined: Aug '12
Posts: 6

I would like to see a performance space for live music or community productions...there's that empty lot on Washington and Pacific...

or...
- art gallery
- community center
- a small movie theater
- a co-op space of some sort
- an educational resource that is partnered with another institution...something like this: http://thepoint.org/icp.php

# Posted 5 mos ago
newguy88
what am I, new?
Joined: Aug '12
Posts: 225

chloeroyale said:
Why not competition is best for the consumer and I'm a consumer

+1. Competition among the local shops is something that the Community Board should be supporting. If people are suggesting the same business that already exist it means that their not being satisfied by them. Hence supply and demand is not satisfied. Whynot_31 I think your being too dismissive.

But to appease you. How about a bike shop? Or a sports store?

# Posted 5 mos ago
ingenuity-jen
getting it
Joined: Sep '11
Posts: 53

I DO shop occasionally at Unnameable Books, but I like Greenlight Bookstore in Fort Greene better-- better selection, great events, nice staff. It's worth the walk. If we had something like that, I'd be so excited. They also have stationary, which I like.

I know this is food answer (sorry), but what about a bakery? Not a sit-down cafe, dessert place, or whatever, but a place I can get bread, rolls, whatever, fresh-baked? I know there are some dessert/cake places along Washington and Franklin, but I'm thinking something that does straight up bread.

I noticed that Chrysanthemum's appears to be closing. They seemed to have really irregular hours (at least starting out) and only seemed to offer tea classes during the week when I was at work. I wonder if a different coffee/tea place could succeed. We don't need another cafe, but something like PS Coffee Tea N Spices in Park Slope might be cool. (My second food answer. Sorry.)

Or a homegoods/kitchen store.

# Posted 5 mos ago
chloeroyale
getting it
Joined: Dec '12
Posts: 230

A small jewelry boutique with jewelry by local artist

# Posted 5 mos ago
ehgee
getting it
Joined: Dec '12
Posts: 76

I wonder if one of those restaurant supply stores that do stoves & fridges & stuff up on Atlantic could open up a storefront for kitchen supplies? The ones in Manhattan are a good option for the budget-oriented chef:
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/05/09/dining/09mini.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0

# Posted 5 mos ago
moufaisbad
getting it
Joined: Sep '05
Posts: 122

a fresh fish market.
There is nowhere to get good, fresh fish outside of Saturdays at the green market and even then, if you dont get there by 8am you are screwed.

# Posted 5 mos ago
whynot_31
Former Lurker
Joined: Mar '06
Posts: 16,367

newguy88 said:
+1. Competition among the local shops is something that the Community Board should be supporting. If people are suggesting the same business that already exist it means that their not being satisfied by them. Hence supply and demand is not satisfied. Whynot_31 I think your being too dismissive.

But to appease you. How about a bike shop? Or a sports store?

I agree. But let's look at the brightside:

Any business person worth anything, researches where in the city people seem like they would jump ship FROM the existing businesses TO a new competitor.

If this thread doesn't scream that to business owners looking for a new (or first) location, I don't know what will.

...likewise, existing business on Washington are wise to read threads such as this to reach the conclusion that they need to up their game in order to earn thier neighborhood's business.

For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor.

# Posted 5 mos ago
whynot_31
Former Lurker
Joined: Mar '06
Posts: 16,367

ehgee said:
I wonder if one of those restaurant supply stores that do stoves & fridges & stuff up on Atlantic could open up a storefront for kitchen supplies? The ones in Manhattan are a good option for the budget-oriented chef:
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/05/09/dining/09mini.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0

I would certainly join you in shopping at a mid-range housewares/kitchen store.

For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor.

# Posted 5 mos ago
burningorange
getting it
Joined: May '05
Posts: 60

A fish market would be great... a bit stinky in summer but there's no fresh fish nearby.

I've thought of opening a gallery, but I wonder if people would really buy enough artworks to sustain the rent.

# Posted 4 mos ago
whynot_31
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Posts: 16,367

Readers are more than welcome to continue to jabber on this thread and the other one in PH section, but your input probably won't be considered by HOB or CB 8.

...I have sent them the links and told them thanks for asking our input.

For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor.

# Posted 4 mos ago
whynot_31
Former Lurker
Joined: Mar '06
Posts: 16,367

Now available in survey form!

Make me happy! Take the survey! Thanks

http://surveymonkey.com/s/washingtonavenue

For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor.

# Posted 3 mos ago
whynot_31
Former Lurker
Joined: Mar '06
Posts: 16,367

Here is how specific spaces are going to be marketed to the larger community.

http://prospectheights.patch.com/articles/visions-for-vacancies-820-washington-ave

Goal: Fill storefronts by 2014.

Ready?

For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor.

# Posted 2 mos ago
ingenuity-jen
getting it
Joined: Sep '11
Posts: 53

Not to sound too critical, but how many people read the Patch? (I get their email digest.) It seems like there's a far livelier discussion going on here on these boards and that if they're looking for serious feedback on what individual stores could turn into, it might be kind of quiet over there.

Unless they're just doing general FYI reporting and not necessarily looking for a major discussion/community feedback?

# Posted 2 mos ago
whynot_31
Former Lurker
Joined: Mar '06
Posts: 16,367

As a result of knowing the people involved, I think it is reasonable to assume Heart of Brooklyn is pitching Washington Avenue to anyone and everyone who will listen:

Quasi-news websites (like Brooklynian), the Chamber of Commerce, Boro President stuff, Small Business groups, the planning world, the various political groups around, and the like.

There is even a traveling arts group that will attempt to get potential renters into your community by using the vacant store fronts to display art: http://www.nolongerempty.org/

For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor.

# Posted 2 mos ago
ingenuity-jen
getting it
Joined: Sep '11
Posts: 53

Aha! So they're reaching out to everyone, not just one newsletter or message board. That makes a ton of sense and I am silly for thinking otherwise.

# Posted 2 mos ago
whynot_31
Former Lurker
Joined: Mar '06
Posts: 16,367

HOB » In addition to online surveys, volunteers will be conducting surveys with residents in the area and visitors at locations surrounding Washington Avenue starting Wednesday, April 3rd. Merchants who would like a survey display at a business or a hard copy, please contact Rebeca Ramirez at rramirez@heartofbrooklyn.org.

Tell her Whynot_31 sent you

For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor.

# Posted 2 mos ago
remas2012
what am I, new?
Joined: Mar '13
Posts: 2

I have a 4 friends who has a business around

# Posted 2 mos ago
whynot_31
Former Lurker
Joined: Mar '06
Posts: 16,367

Today (April 3),
One can also talk to members of HOB and just stick what kind of business you would like on Washington Ave to the plywood located at St. Johns and Washington.

I kid you not.

For extra points, tell her Whynot_31 says hi.

For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor.

# Posted 2 mos ago
newguy88
what am I, new?
Joined: Aug '12
Posts: 225

How about a specialty computer shop.

# Posted 2 mos ago
whynot_31
Former Lurker
Joined: Mar '06
Posts: 16,367

Here are the preliminary results of the survey, complete with percentages:

Hopefully several of these ideas are believed to be profitable, to the degree that someone with the resources and drive to open it ....does!

For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor.

# Posted 2 mos ago
newguy88
what am I, new?
Joined: Aug '12
Posts: 225

ugh, almost 40% want a vintage/ thrift shop. Stupid hipster/ yupsters.

# Posted 2 mos ago
whynot_31
Former Lurker
Joined: Mar '06
Posts: 16,367

Don't worry, this is merely a survey, not a binding vote that causes action.

...decisions about what to open on Washington Ave are not made as a result of democratic processes.

For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor.

# Posted 2 mos ago
eastbloc
comprador bourgeois
Joined: Jul '09
Posts: 923

What is a "thrift/vintage" store? Aren't those conceptually polar opposites?

# Posted 2 mos ago
whynot_31
Former Lurker
Joined: Mar '06
Posts: 16,367

Yes, I do believe that I would describe the Brooklyn Flea as being mostly vintage, mostly expensive stuff.

For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor.

# Posted 2 mos ago
ehgee
getting it
Joined: Dec '12
Posts: 76

Thrift stores often sell vintage items, especially if their main source of donations is old well-to-do people, as with suburban church thrift stores. Thrift stores generally charge $2 or so for said items. I generally buy my vintage clothing at thrift stores when visiting family in Vermont.

# Posted 2 mos ago
whynot_31
Former Lurker
Joined: Mar '06
Posts: 16,367

bar graph version

For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor.

# Posted 1 mo ago