Inspired by UWS, more community boards consider retail rezoning

The much-maligned retail rezoning proposal on the Upper West Side has inspired community boards throughout the city to consider similar regulations for its streets. According to the New York Post, ideas for comparable restrictions — meant to curb the proliferation of banks, chain drug stores and other national retailers — are being kicked around the Upper East and Lower East sides.

Later this month Community Board 8, which represents East 59th through East 96th streets, will discuss the Upper West Side’s plan to see if it can be used to encourage mom-and-pop stores to open, and stay open, in the neighborhood. The Post noted the irony in the meeting, as the Upper East Side’s similarly spirited retail rezoning three decades ago famously backfired.

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Community Board 3, which represents the Lower East Side and East Village, is also considering a special district that would limit the size and operating hours of retail tenants. While its discussions are centered around curtailing bars and clubs, it is additionally considering imposing a fee on chain retailers that would be redirected to the pockets of small shop owners. [Post, 1st item]