Saperstein Told Us Golden is Responsible for Empty Storefronts in Bay Ridge
Journalist, Kadia Goba asked the three Assembly candidates about what they would do about the empty storefronts in Bay Ridge (see here).
This is a great question because we have way too many stores closed on the Avenues.
Dr. Frontus had the most detailed answer. She said she would:
- Provide state funding to expand programs like the New York Empowerment Zone in the district
- Give tax credits to the landlords who own the properties along those avenues (for up to 10 years, so that they do not have to overcharge their tenants).
- Low-interest start-up / revolving loans for new small businesses.
- Give state grants to the Chamber of Commerce so that they can make sure that small businesses have the support they need
- Give state grants to the Chamber of Commerce so that they can make sure that small businesses have the support they need
Ethan’s answer is here – Ethan claims to use social media, he made a Twitter account this month and hasn’t used it. See here. Ethan Lustig was Councilman Mark Treyger’s staffer and he watched as Treyger threw more money at Pam Harris. Ethan didn’t speak up then and he won’t speak up now.
Most surprising was Steve Saperstein’s answer.
Saperstein said, “Part of the reason why Bay Ridge (and the rest of the State) is struggling with empty storefronts and hurting businesses is thanks to our State’s insane regulatory climate and tax burden.”
Saperstein is one of the first politicians to say that our current state politicians – Marty Golden and Nicole Malliotakis have failed the small businesses in Bay Ridge.
Why didn’t Marty Golden help the Third Avenue Merchants with a tax break? What changed about Senator Golden?
Senator Golden wrote the bill to given tax breaks to developers in Manhattan – why not in his own area where owners are struggling?
Saperstein continued: “I will fight to make the property tax system in N.Y. fair and fight to lower the unfair State taxes imposed on businesses.”
Why didn’t Golden and Malliotakis fight for the store owners?
The Third and Fifth Avenue Merchants must be fuming at Senator Marty Golden and Nicole Malliotakis. For years, the two of them claimed to be fighting for the Merchants. And for years we have seen a high turnover and even many long-time Bay Ridge businesses have closed.
I didn’t think Saperstein would call out Republican politicians like that, but it seems he is tired of their nonsense too.
Hugs,
marlene
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