This report is the result of a hearing the Committee conducted on September 18, 2009 on retail diversity and neighborhood health. It analyzes several of the major problems local retail merchants face, such as adverse tax policy and high commercial rent. Furthermore, it explores the problems and benefits associated with “big box” retailers in New York communities and the effects they have on local retailers.
The Committee seeks to better coordinate several of the State’s existing programs that have helped local businesses. We are also considering other cities’ successful economic policies, seeking to implement some of these successful programs in the 2010 Legislative session. This report offers several recommendations for reform, including better coordination of the state’s existing programs to help local businesses, and the implementation of other cities’ successful economic policies.
We look forward to working with our partners in local government and our colleagues in the Legislature during the next year to pass many of the report’s recommendations into law. We will continue to strive to strengthen our urban neighborhoods by building and revitalizing retail diversity in our state.
Senator Shirley L. Huntley, Chairwoman 2010
Senator Daniel Squadron, Chairman 2009 Senate Committee on Cities
The full report and its Appendix are attached below.
