For years, big box retailers have operated shops that were far larger than zoning allowed. Now, urged by locals, the city is cracking down on some of those retailers.
The city Department of Buildings handed out violations to five Soho stores — Zara, Uniqlo, Hollister, Topshop and American Eagle, according to the New York Post. Each of those stores is larger than the area’s 10,000-square-foot limit.
“I am pleased to see that some of the most egregious violators of the ban on oversized retail in Soho are being held accountable,” City Councilwoman Margaret Chin told the Post.
Locals complain that the stores are bad neighbors bringing crowds and noise to their tony doorsteps. Nike’s new 55,000-square-foot store on Broadway at Spring Street was a particular sore point for the area’s well-healed home owners.
Still, some are concerned that the fines, which start at $800, are too meager to effect change.
“That’s our concern, this is just going to be a tiny little slap on the hand and nothing changes,” Pete Davies, a Soho resident, said. [NYP] — Christopher Cameron