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Citing a slew of empty storefronts, less than ideal sales numbers from existing businesses and the rise in Internet commerce, Bronxville Mayor Mary Marvin said that it was time for she and the Board of Trustees to reexamine the way the village conducts business.
Among the questions Marvin raised in her latest weekly column, was whether the village should continue its active discouragement of national franchises - although they have a Starbucks on Park Place - and if procedural and location restrictions still need to be placed on service businesses.
Marvin added that there needs to be better signage to direct shoppers to available parking places and incentives to encourage merchants and employees to park in remote available locations, not prime metered spots in the heart of the business district.
Additionally, the mayor questioned whether several of Bronxville’s zoning codes and regulations have become antiquated in a world where most shopping can be done at midnight with one click of the mouse.
“In this very competitive environment, we want to ensure that the village has no barriers that serve as disincentives to opening a business in Bronxville when compared to neighboring communities,” she added. “With the steady rise of the Internet commerce and big box retailers, the shopping paradigm has clearly changed, requiring an examination of methods for conducting commerce.”
Marvin said that she is soliciting feedback from the community about ways to boost Bronxville’s economy. Those interested can do so by emailing her at mayor@vobny.com.
“Many of our residents are experts in some of the above are as, due to professional training and expertise, or simply because they are the boots on the ground experience the village every day as a resident and consumer,” she stated. “I ask your feedback as we clearly enter a new era in retail services.”
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