I believe that it is time for all of us throughout the City to come together and support our local busate corporations atRWinesses. They are a vanishing breed, but if we commit to affirmatively working to advance their cause, we might be able to do some positive work for the City, its small business community, and begin a long neglected process of working towards a common goal.
I would like to say a few words about Almarc Pharmacy and Retrofit Health Club. Both of these are threatened by much larger multi-state corporations; CVS and Planet Fitness. There is really no use in rehashing why and how both locations wound up threatening the very existence of two of our finest local small businesses. We know the New Roc situation, the sale of the entertainment portion of the Center as well as the potential abandonment or at least difficulties of attracting a large scale retailer given the loss of this prime corner of real estate. We also are aware of the rapacious appetite of CVS and I really lost count of how many now exist in our borders. But, sadly I do remember a number of years ago, the loss of a family pharmacy on Bonnefoy and North from another CVS invasion, and recall it wasn’t that many years thereafter that they closed up that shop which, parenthetically remains vacant.
I won’t even mention the usefulness of BID who I think have provided little comfort or aid except for relocating other businesses to Main Street displaced by CVS. If you talk to the management of both Almarc and Retrofit, you will likely not hear a great deal about the support given to these members of our community.
We have several Council Members who own small businesses downtown and another who has a small business in Larchmont. I would expect that these men know a good deal about the risks currently in managing and retaining a small business downtown. I hope they add to the conversation in a non-partisan way and work diligently in developing a strong planning process to rebuild and restore. I have not seen much from the Chamber of Commerce or the BID in this regard.
But, we can play a role and should. We are skilled at criticism, implication, and have no compunction in placing blame. That is part of the process of politics and office holders must be acutely aware of the frustration felt by citizens down these parts when their voices are not sought out or they are labeled as negative malcontents. Sure some in this area are, both the majority care for the City and want a voice. I have provided a mechanism for this and we will see if it is used or not used.
But, there are things we can do and should do now. Each of these establishments should be patronized by us and we should pass the word along to others to consider doing business with members of our community. They cannot compete on economies of scale and I am disappointed that I hear no plan or process in place in City Hall to value them, sustain them, and support them.
But, we can join them. CVS has many products in place at great prices and we can use their services according to specific needs. But Almarc can be our business of choice for, say, prescriptions although they have much more to offer. Remember also that CVS threatens the business proposition of retailers such as C Town and smaller outlets selling newspapers, etal of which we have quite a few.
Retrofit has state of the art equipment, a skilled manager and good trainers. They were offering great prices before Planet Fitness came into the picture. So, use them, cancel other memberships with Planet Fitness or anyone else that competes. Stick up for our businesses and perhaps the message will resonate with our professional base, consultants, and trade associations.
Here’s a thought. Bill O’Shaughnessy wants to create a positive climate and, so requires Bob and others to sign a pledge affirming this. Ok, it is wrong, but it is done. Now Bill, put your positive climate to good use. Give some free commercial time to these two fine establishments so we can see some tangible effects of positivity. While WVOX is at it, it might be interesting to consider the pressure put on Killoran recently when he was challenged angrily by Strome because Killoran called for a police presence downtown. That is both negativity and bullying and I know WVOX and the Council cannot support and likely do not support either. The man has contributed more in 3 months than most have in 3 years so factor that in.
TOTS has a newsletter and I would love to see positive articles on both establishments. I know they would be open and fair.
I am trying hard to support, to contribute, to make myself available. I screwed up yesterday by a poor choice of words regarding my happiness over John D’s exciting news. I think New Rochelle’s mayor and council will positively support this and there are many positive uses that can be gained. I am not going to screw up again God Willing, but I believe in my heart of hearts if this administration gives an inch, they will gain a yard from people such as me who want to create a lasting legacy, a rebirth if you will of a City with a great history.
Now, people in the North who do not contribute comment, Brian Sussman whose council I miss, Bruce, Knitter, Bob McCaffrey, and others please do not abandon this site. You can be in a minority position but my experience should tell you that your views will be printed and so what if people don’t share in them.
I feel the pain of many posters who feel disenfranchised, angry, or simply have a more conservative outlook. I don’t feel the anger though; I continue to prosper from what I see taking place in places like New Hampshire.
This is a great country worth sacrifice and we live in a fine community worth sharing and serving. I hope that the city fathers use our thoughts and voices and that we offer them with dignity, respect and some trust. The latter takes time, but it can be earned anew. And, on the opposite side of the trust coin, I hope we can be seen as trustworthy by those in office who feel unappreciated.