This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Health & Fitness

Retail Stalkers

Fostering a diversified small business economy in Bed-Stuy.

Since taking the helm as executive director of the Bed Stuy Gateway Business Improvement District (BID), I’ve been asking myself:  “As a neighborhood commercial corridor, how must Fulton Street (in Bed-Stuy) distinguish itself from Fulton Street in Downtown Brooklyn and the commercial intensity of Metrotech Center?”  There is a philosophy to retail planning and attraction that seeks to establish balance between the environment of a commercial district and the types of businesses that locate there.  For example, a McDonald’s would be out of context on Lewis or Tompkins Avenues, but fits in with the foot traffic and various transportation nodes at the intersection of Nostrand Avenue and Fulton
Street. 

Our number one priority is looking out over the 1.5 mile stretch of Fulton Street that encompasses the BID to understand what should go where and then implementing strategies to communicate that to property owners, brokers, entrepreneurs, and consumers.  On the broader neighborhood landscape, it also involves thinking about the local corridors that intersect with Fulton Street – Classon, Franklin, Bedford, Nostrand, Tompkins, and Lewis Avenues, as well as Marcus Garvey and Malcolm X Boulevards – and considering the commercial opportunities these streets represent and the attendant experiences property owners, brokers, entrepreneurs, and consumers would like to foster in these areas.  My colleagues and I here at the BID are constantly scurrying around the city, speaking to fellow commercial revitalization practitioners, business associations, etc., to stay abreast of the next “new” thing or respond to inquiries about Bed Stuy.  We’re also in constant communication with property owners and their reps (brokers), helping them to understand the neighborhood’s ever shifting economic and social dynamics.  Fulton Street offers a range of possibilities, from locating national chains in the vicinity of the Fulton Street-Nostrand Avenue focal point, to establishing more intimate, neighborhood oriented experiences on the western end at Classon Avenue or Lewis Avenue in the east. 

Already, it is happening – My Arena, a new bar/lounge concept located on the western edge of the district at Classon Avenue ½ block away from Outpost Lounge, hosted the BID’s very successful March “Nothing But Networking.”  Some participants were even treated to a sneak peek at Alice’s Arbor, the new locavore restaurant at 549 Classon Avenue.  We’re thrilled that Busy Bee Bagel, offering much more than just your regular bagel and coffee, will soon open its doors right on the corner of Fulton Street and Classon Avenue.  And Bicycle Roots, located ½ block away on Fulton Street and Claver Place, will begin operations just as NYC implements its citywide bike-share program.  Over on the eastern end of the district, The Bradford, a brand new 105-unit building that has 10,000 square feet of commercial space at Albany Avenue and Fulton Street will open its doors in September.  The commercial space at The Bradford represents a significant opportunity to increase the foot traffic in this area of the district while adding to the retail diversity currently available.  We’ve been talking to a number of businesses about moving there and look forward to some exciting announcements shortly. And, finally, one of our prouder moments of the past few months has been the opening of Island Salad at 1365 Fulton Street.  Community receptivity to Island Salad has been overwhelming and it’s the perfect example of how collaboration between the BID, the property owner, and the entrepreneur translated into a winning addition to Fulton Street for the community. 

Find out what's happening in Bed-Stuywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

I can say at the eight month mark that while I’m gratified that successes are coming to fruition, there is so much more work that needs to be done.  The success of Fulton Street in Central Brooklyn – I’ll venture to say of any neighborhood commercial corridor anywhere – is only a reflection of the neighborhood in which it is located and how local residents, local entrepreneurs, and local property owners take responsibility in fostering a successful environment.  Friend us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, attend our Nothing But Networking events or business workshops, or email us with your thoughts and ideas. The point here is for all of us to establish a productive dialogue about the kind of economic environment we want to take shape here in Bed Stuy. Here’s a teaser:  stay tuned for our resident/property owner/broker focus group meetings and surveys - I’m looking forward to hearing, first-hand, what you have to say on this topic. 

Our success is your success. 

Find out what's happening in Bed-Stuywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

I look forward to our conversation.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?