Small Business Preservation
The Birdman operated his unique CD shop, Rainbow Music, on First Avenue in the East Village. He always claimed to know where things were in the crowded stacks. It closed in 2015. Photo byThe Villager.
NYC, 2018: The city's lovable array of independently-owned shops has been disappearing, replaced by chain stores and empty storefronts. As they disappear, so does much of the city's character. Alongside other neighborhood preservation efforts — like those of Jeremiah Moss, TakeBackNYC and the East Village Community Coalition — I worked to address this disturbing trend, especially as Director of East Village and Special Projects at Village Preservation, formerly called Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation (GVSHP), from 2013 to 2015.
Articles
New York’s Small Businesses See a
Glimmer of Hope Against Rising Rents
Citylab, November 29, 2018
How Cities Can Save Small Shops
Citylab, July 24, 2017
The Small Business Spring of 2015
April 1, 2015
With Black Seed, De Robertis Space Moves Forward, Mindful of the Past
February 25, 2015
Ideas for Preserving Our Small Businesses and Creative Spaces
October 10, 2014
The Restaurant Toolbox: Menu Options for Saving Important Food Establishments
August 15, 2014
Maybe You Can Save Your Favorite Restaurant Before It Closes
June 13, 2014
The Small-Business-Saving Squad of the East Village
March 12, 2014
Coping With the Disappearance of Beloved Places
January 17, 2014
The Anti-Chain Gang
October 23, 2013
Videos
Storefronts And Stories: A Talk with the Authors of "Storefront II," James & Karla Murray
Book talk at Rizzoli Bookstore, November 23, 2015
This talented couple, my neighbors, discuss their latest wonderful book of photos and interviews. Their work of documenting mom-and-pop shops is a New York City treasure, and so are they.
Historic Preservation, Meet Restaurant Preservation
Panel Held at Judson Memorial Church, August 5, 2014
Panelists including food critic Mimi Sheraton, Eater critic Robert Sietsema (wearing a mask so that restaurateurs don't recognize him), Columbia University planning professor Stacey Sutton, and landlord/developer Robert Perl explored whether and how the lifespan of beloved eateries can be extended.
Selected Profiles of the East and West Village - 'Business of the Month'
B&H Dairy
April 14, 2015
La Bonbonniere
January 29, 2015
Mercer Street Books
September 16, 2015
Greenwich Locksmiths
May 14, 2015
Cobblestones
June 17, 2015
Ray's Candy Store
August 14, 2015
Fresco Gelateria
October 16, 2015