From the August issue: When political newcomer Doug Biviano wanted to increase his visibility
as a City Council candidate, he looked no further than one of the most
prime retail strips in his Brooklyn Heights district: Montague Street. While in more flush times a new political candidate’s war chest
might not have had enough cash to pay for such a premier, high-traffic
location, Biviano took advantage of the strip’s nearly 10 vacant
storefronts and the area’s dropping retail rents. And he is not alone.
With the New York City primary elections next month, and the
general elections this November, candidates for mayor, City Council and
other citywide offices all need space for their campaign headquarters. And, in this market, a new real estate trend is emerging among
them: Even candidates without the deep pockets of Mayor Bloomberg, a
self-made billionaire, can secure crucial storefront space. [more]