What kind of NEW Businesses would you like on Washington Ave? « Brooklynian

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

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whynot_31
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Posts: 16,113

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 4 mos ago
inpixels
above average
Joined: Oct '05
Posts: 543

~~-Bagel Store~~
~~-Subway Sandwiches~~
-Healthfood store (should I strike this one too?)
-Chase Bank
-Housing Works Thrift Store

-Automat

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

LOL

# Posted 4 mos ago
whynot_31
Former Lurker
Joined: Mar '06
Posts: 16,113

Those are some good ideas.

I was actually psyched to learn that they are taking efforts to diversify the avenue's businesses.

HOB has been a major force in organizing some of the street clean-ups and the little street fair, Washington Rocks.

I think a Subway Sandwich place is inevitable ...Washington is a slightly less than prime ave, with small storefronts that would be ideal for a non "deep fry" business.

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

# Posted 4 mos ago
inpixels
above average
Joined: Oct '05
Posts: 543

FWIW (a GNC might not be so bad)

"Dunkin Donuts remains the most robust chain in New York City, with 484 stores (up 18 from last year).

Subway, however, is closing the gap fast. It now has 454 stores in New York City, with 24 new ones added in the past year.

The rest of the top ten include Starbucks (272 stores); MetroPCS (261 stores); Duane Reade (246); McDonalds (241); Baskin-Robbins (200); Rite-Aid (196); T-Mobile (174); and GNC (143)."
http://www.capitalnewyork.com/article/politics/2012/12/6899389/chain-store-city-dunkin-donuts-still-leads-subways-coming-fast

# Posted 4 mos ago
whynot_31
Former Lurker
Joined: Mar '06
Posts: 16,113

I haven't seen a lot of those chains in areas with as little foot traffic as Washington.

I think we would support some additional lawyers and accountants, in small offices. I've been impressed with all of the dentists and MDs that have opened up shop.

...I think there is probably 6 or so on the Ave now.

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

# Posted 4 mos ago
Jay B
getting it
Joined: Aug '08
Posts: 95

We need a pet supply store. The one on Vanderbilt is too expensive and too far to lug cat litter and food all the way back to Washington. Chase Bank would be nice too.

# Posted 4 mos ago
BKChickie
Bagel Hole Girl
Joined: Mar '08
Posts: 1,089

whynot_31 said:
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.

Decent butcher shop!

# Posted 4 mos ago
inpixels
above average
Joined: Oct '05
Posts: 543

-Butcher Shop
-Fish store
-Fruit/Vegetable Store

# Posted 4 mos ago
tateinbk
above average
Joined: Jun '11
Posts: 503

I agree with pet supplies or a really good fish market.

Jay B Acme pet foods will deliver, for free if you buy a certain amount.

ETA:I would also love a GOOD, hardware store. I can't tolerate Mayflower and everything else is really far away.

# Posted 4 mos ago
ehgee
getting it
Joined: Dec '12
Posts: 66

-Seconding a good hardware store
-a grocery store with later hours
-Also seconding a produce store
-a drugstore with later hours and a selection of generic products rather than just expensive name-brand stuff (so, probably a chain)
-a bakery
-a coffee roaster
-combination Pizza Hut & Taco Bell
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# Posted 4 mos ago
whynot_31
Former Lurker
Joined: Mar '06
Posts: 16,113

I do think we now have enough foot traffic to support our own fish place. Presently, the closest place with fish is Compare.

Yes, if I could waive a magic wand, Mayday Hardware (tate, you were very close with "MayFLOWER") would up its game, or sell its large site to the presently small Thriftway drug store.

Thriftway would then provide Duane Reade-level service, hours and selection.

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

# Posted 4 mos ago
homeowner
mod
Joined: Jan '06
Posts: 3,018

Now, is when I say NA-NA-na-NA-NA to all of you "we're actually in Prospect Heights" folks. Nostrand has two fish markets (one of which does a slamming steamed fish pot lunch)!

Businesses I think would add to Washington

- An old fashioned stationary/office supply place
- A sandwich shop
- Bookstore
- An upscale 99 cent store (where you could get low cost sundries)
- Some professional (doctor, dentist, accountants, veterinarian, etc) office space

# Posted 4 mos ago
whynot_31
Former Lurker
Joined: Mar '06
Posts: 16,113

Lincoln Station (which will open soon on Lincoln, near Washington) will likely fill many people's desire for sandwiches.

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

# Posted 4 mos ago
inpixels
above average
Joined: Oct '05
Posts: 543

A Bookstore would be great and also pointed out on parallel thread-
But how sustainable?
https://www.google.com/search?hl=en&gl=us&tbm=nws&q=bookstore+closing&oq=bookstore+closing

I second the "fancy" 99 cent store
How about Jacks (a smaller version?) expands in Brooklyn... that would be awesome.
http://jacks99world.com/locations.asp

# Posted 4 mos ago
whynot_31
Former Lurker
Joined: Mar '06
Posts: 16,113

I like the idea of a Jacks!

This thread is doing a little better than the other in terms of abiding by the parameters:

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

Good job! Keep the ideas coming.

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

# Posted 4 mos ago
homeowner
mod
Joined: Jan '06
Posts: 3,018

While a bookstore might not be able to work, perhaps a comic book/toy store?

A spa?
Vintner?
Day care/afterschool center?

And I think if you could get someone to put in a set of doctor's suites with GP, Pediatrician, Dermatologist, Nutritionist, and Holistic/Herbalist, it would take off like a rocket.

# Posted 4 mos ago
inpixels
above average
Joined: Oct '05
Posts: 543

comic book store

would be terrific... but I would question sustainability

Brooklyn Heights
A Sad Farewell: After 24 Years, St. Mark's Comics Shutters
http://brooklynbugle.com/2012/11/30/a-sad-farewell-after-24-years-st-marks-comics-shutters-on-montague-street/

Cobble Hill
http://www.yelp.com/biz/rocketship-graphic-novels-and-comics-brooklyn

Guess they would have to top
http://bergenstreetcomics.com/

I would say that maybe Bergen Street Comics could be enticed to move to Washington with cheaper rent...
but with a name like "Bergen Street Comics" I don't think they are moving anywhere but Bergen St!

Heck... "St. Marks" Comics was on "Montague St."
so maybe they would like to relocate their second location to Washington Avenue...?

# Posted 4 mos ago
homeowner
mod
Joined: Jan '06
Posts: 3,018

Yes, but St Marks closed because it couldn't afford Montague Street rents. I'm sure that the differential between rent on Montague and Washington is such that it might be able to survive here for a while. If Washington Avenue rents match Montague in the next couple of years, we'll only be looking at chain stores anyway.

Also, I think that you have to look at the volume of merchandise vs. available floor space. St Marks Comics, both Manhattan and BK versions had a very high merch to floor space ratio. In my mind that translates into 1)being able to find more "obscure" items and 2)reasonable pricing of items overall. Bergen street has a lot of empty floor space in comparison to the amount of merchandise. I don't know if that's going to work out for them in the long run.

# Posted 4 mos ago
chloeroyale
getting it
Joined: Dec '12
Posts: 230

I don't think Jerry from mayday in the selling mood love him his knowledge on plumbing etc is impressive

# Posted 4 mos ago
homeowner
mod
Joined: Jan '06
Posts: 3,018

State of the Chains - 2012
Just to inject a bit of reality into the discussion:

NYC Top Retailers 2011
1 Dunkin Donuts
2 Subway
3 Metro PCS
4 Starbucks
5 Duane Reade
6 McDonalds
7 Rite Aid
8 Baskin-Robbins
9 T-Mobile
10 GNC
11 Radio Shack
12 CVS
13 Liberty Tax Service
14 Payless
15 Burger King
16 Sleepy's
17 7-Eleven
18 GameStop
19 Walgreen's
20 Popeye's

Same list WITHOUT Food
1 Metro PCS
2 Duane Reade
3 Rite Aid
4 T-Mobile
5 GNC
6 Radio Shack
7 CVS
8 Liberty Tax Service
9 Payless
10 Sleepy's
11 GameStop
12 Walgreen's
13 Petland Discounts
14 AT&T Wireless
15 Staples
16 FedEx Office
17 Jackson Hewitt Tax Service
18 Foot Locker*
19 Family Dollar
20 Cohen's Fashion Optical

This is the likely set of targets from a landlord's perspective

# Posted 4 mos ago
whynot_31
Former Lurker
Joined: Mar '06
Posts: 16,113

Yes, a landlord would certainly like the stability and credit rating a chain provides.

However, most of the chains seem to need a lot of foot traffic and a pretty big foot print. Most of the available sites on Washington are small.

The only big vacant site I can think of off the top of my head, is the one at the NW corner of Washington and St. Johns.

http://www.loopnet.com/Listing/17519931/810-Washington-Avenue-Brooklyn-NY/

It could probably host a big franchise drug store (CVS, Duare Reade, etc) or a hardware store with a franchise affiliation (i.e. a privately owned True Value or Ace), or a store which is unique and special:

....a non nail/salon/bar/food destination like a comics book store, Housing Works Thift store, spa, pediatric health care center or bank.

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

# Posted 4 mos ago
inpixels
above average
Joined: Oct '05
Posts: 543

The only big vacant site I can think of off the top of my head, is the one at the NW corner of Washington and St. Johns.

Additionally the hole in ground next to former Calabar Imports

Just to inject a bit of reality into the discussion:

yup we have (part of) that list above and agree w/ @whynot_31 re: foot traffic

# Posted 4 mos ago
whynot_31
Former Lurker
Joined: Mar '06
Posts: 16,113

Ah, the base of the building that will replace the one destroyed in the site of the fire!

I didn't think of that one.

Here's a photo of that to-be-built building that the developer passed around:

It isn't real hard imagining some of the businesses we are describing operating there...

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

# Posted 4 mos ago
homeowner
mod
Joined: Jan '06
Posts: 3,018

Actually, all the cell phone companies and the GameStop, tax preparers and, GNC can go into smaller spaces. Foot traffic may be a problem, but as more buildings get improved, more foot traffic will occur.

# Posted 4 mos ago
whynot_31
Former Lurker
Joined: Mar '06
Posts: 16,113

Depending upon how the first floor was configured, the "to be built" building could probably host two or three such chains.

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

# Posted 4 mos ago
ehgee
getting it
Joined: Dec '12
Posts: 66

There are a ton of bricked-in storefronts on streets like Grand off of Washington. I think I saw those blocks were all zoned residential now, but if the Avenue keeps growing it'd be good to have them back as shops.

In Williamsburg, they put in a really nice Duane Reade in a basement, so the street-level storefront is quite small despite having a pretty sizable store. If the new corner building puts in a big basement, they could have a big drugstore or the like in addition to a couple other storefronts.

The neighborhood could also use an east-west street with more business activity midblock. Walking back toward Washington from my friends' house near Rogers feels sketchy late at night just because there's no street with lots of east-west foot traffic to walk along.

And I wonder if the auto shop near the police station is going to sell out at any point. That's become some prime real estate, and I'd certainly rather have some sort of shops and apartments there, as opposed to broken-down cars parked on the sidewalk and rusty barbed-wire fences.

# Posted 4 mos ago
whynot_31
Former Lurker
Joined: Mar '06
Posts: 16,113

Ah, the triangle.

The owner of the auto shop that occupys most of it tried at one point to have his property developed into housing, but then something happened.

We talked about it a while ago in this link: http://brooklynian.com/forum/crown-heights-and-prospect-lefferts-gardens/help-get-citybenches-on-washingtongrand-triangle

The public portions of that site have come a long way.

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

# Posted 4 mos ago
wbm
what am I, new?
Joined: Jan '13
Posts: 7

This neighborhood needs a real pharmacy. One that doesn't close at 5pm. I'd love to see a Duane Reade or a CVS on Washington Ave. I wish the horrible grocery store on the corner of Washington and Lincoln would go out of business. Maybe a big pharmacy could go there?

A gym would be nice too. How about a Planet Fitness?

# Posted 4 mos ago
whynot_31
Former Lurker
Joined: Mar '06
Posts: 16,113

The United Deli at the corner of Washington and Lincoln is aware of how people perceive it and is renovating at this very moment: http://brooklynian.com/forum/prospect-heights/united-deli-washington-ep

...an affordable, mid-size gym would be nice. I think the closest one is in Union Temple, and it is pretty expensive.

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

# Posted 4 mos ago
wbm
what am I, new?
Joined: Jan '13
Posts: 7

Glad to hear about United Deli, but I was referring to the disgusting Key Foods on the other corner. That place has got to go. I've been ripped off by "accidental overcharging" so many times there that it is not an accident. And it is dirty, and has a bad selection. I really wish they would shut down....

# Posted 4 mos ago
inpixels
above average
Joined: Oct '05
Posts: 543

Glad to hear about United Deli, but I was referring to the disgusting Key Foods on the other corner

LOL!

Imagine we woke up tomorrow to find it was a Trader Joes!

# Posted 4 mos ago
whynot_31
Former Lurker
Joined: Mar '06
Posts: 16,113

Inpixels-
Your imagination is beyond my comprehension.

Wbm-
I too salute you, and advise you to trek to the completely acceptable NSA.

I now return to the subject of United Deli. I spoke them this evening and they stated that they are going to remodel everything. "We are going to move the fridges to the back wall. We are not going to stock any of this merchandise"

....they are in the process of becoming a version of St John's marketplace. Please stop by and congratulate them on their decision, and tell them we are delighted they are staying in the neighborhood!

P.S. This thread (and its parallel on on the CH board) have made me very impressed with how hungry and thirsty we remain, despite the improvements that have already occurred.

Present and potential merchants, are you reading?

Anyone have more non food/bar, non hair/nail ideas?

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

# Posted 4 mos ago
inpixels
above average
Joined: Oct '05
Posts: 543

Did someone say Subway?
Meh.
Subway sandwich has an 11-inch size problem
http://www.nypost.com/p/news/international/subway_sandwich_has_an_inch_size_DVYY6cohbYlp8byojHTIGN

# Posted 4 mos ago
BKChickie
Bagel Hole Girl
Joined: Mar '08
Posts: 1,089

homeowner said:
Now, is when I say NA-NA-na-NA-NA to all of you "we're actually in Prospect Heights" folks. Nostrand has two fish markets (one of which does a slamming steamed fish pot lunch)!

Ooh, tell me more about the lunches, please!

# Posted 4 mos ago
BKChickie
Bagel Hole Girl
Joined: Mar '08
Posts: 1,089

wbm said:
This neighborhood needs a real pharmacy. One that doesn't close at 5pm. I'd love to see a Duane Reade or a CVS on Washington Ave.

Wonder what kind of demographics Duane Reade/Walgreens or CVS looks for in a neighborhood. That stretch of Washington feels like one of the few Duane Reade-free zones in the entire city.

ETA: I agree, a second pharmacy option on Washington would be great.

# Posted 4 mos ago
homeowner
mod
Joined: Jan '06
Posts: 3,018

BKChickie- Fish market on Nostrand just off of Sterling (near Gloria's) has an area in the front that used to sell only fried fish sandwhiches and meals. Recently they added steamed fish to the menu. They have a steamed fish pot with fish, crab legs, corn on the cob, potatoes, etc. You can get it steamed and seasoned only or with melted butter on top. I've been in there a couple of times and seen people ordering it and it looks and smells great, but I've never taken the plunge myself because it's so much food (definitely enough for 2 people). I've asked a couple of people that have ordered it and they've all recommended it.

# Posted 4 mos ago
ingenuity-jen
rookie newb
Joined: Sep '11
Posts: 49

I second the earlier vote for a Jack's Discount store. There's one near my office in Manhattan and I'm always popping in there for stuff.

And a pharmacy with later hours would also be appreciated.

# Posted 4 mos ago
BKChickie
Bagel Hole Girl
Joined: Mar '08
Posts: 1,089

Homeowner sounds like a great lunch for two, or lunch for one & leftovers with cornbread for breakfast the next day!

# Posted 4 mos ago
inpixels
above average
Joined: Oct '05
Posts: 543

Re: 99 Cents Jacks / Jack's World

Jack's roots are in Brooklyn... maybe the time is ripe to return?

I could see it happen in the fire lot that gets rebuilt next to the old Calabar Imports at St. Johns & Washington discussed and photo above

"Jack has always been a retailer at heart. Growing up in Brooklyn, Jack was the kid who had the lemonade stand, the teenager who worked the Aqueduct Flea Market and the young man who sold bed spreads and comforters to Department Stores. Jack wanted his own retail store and was offered a very unique opportunity to take over a short term lease of a store in Brooklyn. Jack made it fly. Jack created excitement for his customers through the exceptional values sold in the store. When his lease was winding down a real estate developer from Manhattan met Jack and convinced him to open a store in Manhattan. History was made!!!!!"
http://jacks99world.com/about.asp

# Posted 4 mos ago
joeschmo
rookie newb
Joined: Mar '10
Posts: 22

upscale 99 cent store, really?

all the new businesses on wash ave are great, it's the ones that are still around that let drugs get sold in front of their business that need to be replaced, with anything of redeeming value.

but instead of what we need less of, what we need more of is a good children's clothing and toy shop; another bank; someplace to get a really good rotisserie chicken on the way home from the subway; duane reade or CVS on that corner plot across from the police castle that stores a bunch of cars would be perfect.

# Posted 4 mos ago
inpixels
above average
Joined: Oct '05
Posts: 543

upscale 99 cent store, really?....it's the ones that are still around that let drugs get sold in front of their business that need to be replaced, with anything of redeeming value.

Guess you've never been to Jacks

In fact it's an "upscale" version of this type of store that would put the nail in the coffin of the 99 cent stores on Washington (if you can call them that... go to Franklin for the real 99 cents stores) effectively getting the results that you seem to be after.

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don't think these business are mutually exclusive as OP @whynot_31 said there are "twenty-four (24) still empty storefronts"

# Posted 4 mos ago
notsayin
getting it
Joined: May '10
Posts: 120

Jay B - don't forget Dee's Pet Food at 716 Classon near Propspect Place - he's open 9am to 10 pm and offers free delivery.

Jay B said:
We need a pet supply store. The one on Vanderbilt is too expensive and too far to lug cat litter and food all the way back to Washington. Chase Bank would be nice too.

# Posted 4 mos ago
Back to Brooklyn
Fool
Joined: Apr '12
Posts: 12

While walking down Washington yesterday, I noticed how small most of these vacant storefronts are. I don't even think you could fit a fish market into one, let alone a Duane Reade or a Jacks (which is the size of a department store.)

I think it would be an interesting proposition to find some of the non-food vendors from the defunct DeKalb Market, and hook them up with storefronts where they could sell their vintage toys, homemade clothing, stylish hats, carefully selected LPs, homemade lamps and other esoterica.

These vendors were comfortable operating out of a shipping container, so they are just the right size for Washington Avenue's tiny storefronts. And stores like this would make an excellent complement to the museum, making Washington into a daytime destination.

I also agree that we need a bigger pharmacy, and I would love to have better food shopping options than Key Food and NSA (No Strings Attached?), maybe a butcher like Fleischer's or a fish store like the one on Court Street, and a simple greengrocer like Mr. Melon on Fulton Street.

# Posted 4 mos ago
inpixels
above average
Joined: Oct '05
Posts: 543

again, a larger store can fit in the yet unbuilt building that was burned down on St. Johns and Washington

# Posted 4 mos ago
BKChickie
Bagel Hole Girl
Joined: Mar '08
Posts: 1,089

Back to Brooklyn said:
While walking down Washington yesterday, I noticed how small most of these vacant storefronts are.

*snip*

I think it would be an interesting proposition to find some of the non-food vendors from the defunct DeKalb Market, and hook them up with storefronts.

These vendors were comfortable operating out of a shipping container, so they are just the right size for Washington Avenue's tiny storefronts. And stores like this would make an excellent complement to the museum, making Washington into a daytime destination.

Great idea! "Washington Ave: the artisans' mile."

# Posted 4 mos ago
homeowner
mod
Joined: Jan '06
Posts: 3,018

I heard once at a precinct council meeting, that the PD were concerned about illegal conversions of storefronts (landlords splitting one storfront unit into two). I wonder if some of the smallest Washington Ave storefronts are even legal?

# Posted 4 mos ago
whynot_31
Former Lurker
Joined: Mar '06
Posts: 16,113

The HOB people recently took some photos of what seems to be the better sites available. Here they are:

P.S. one of these sites signed a lease today, 1/22/2013! It will soon be occupied

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: 16,113

Readers are more than welcome to continue to jabber on this thread and the other one in CH 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 3 mos ago
smrf
what am I, new?
Joined: Jan '09
Posts: 4

I'd really like to see a produce shop, a Chase branch, a bakery and a Southern restaurant or wing spot on Washington. A pet shop would definitely do well too.

# Posted 2 mos ago
ntfool
above average
Joined: Sep '08
Posts: 483

Hmmm. What feels completely ridiculous and out of left field? Oh, I know! A cigar bar!

...oh, wait...

If you're happy, you're not paying attention.

spurn Productions, Inc.

# Posted 2 mos ago

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