RCBJ-Audible (Listen for Free) More than a dozen debut vendors are breathing new life into the Hudson River Village By Tina Traster At the height of the pandemic, shop after shop in Nyack’s business district darkened, particularly in the grocery and hospitality sectors. Now, in what appears to be an epic resurrection, new tenants are opening up along Main Street and Broadway, pumping energy and hope into a village that should never be underestimated. More than a dozen first-time sellers are or are in the process of breathing new life into the Hudson River village in Rockland. The diversity of these companies is remarkable – not just restaurants and bars, but a new boutique for the outdoor lifestyle, a gaming shop, a co-working space, an atelier, a karaoke bar. “Together we found that the village was a safe haven,” said Hammond. Many in the business community praise Nyack’s Mayor Don Hammond for initiating the new business council that brought the business community together to bolster the vitality, accessibility and creativity of the village’s economic engines. Like many villages and towns in the Hudson Valley and beyond, Nyack has maximized its assets, emphasizing the walkability and functionality of the village during the pandemic with street events, outdoor dining and traffic closures to create a sense of community and street-friendly atmosphere that attracts people near and far. Marcella Mazzeo opened the Salonniere Coffee Bar on South Broadway in October 2019. Everything looked bright until COVID-19 threw its terrible curveball. Mazzeo joined forces with neighboring women-run companies like Abigail Rose & Lily Too to form Nyack Merchants United to drive traffic and increase visibility. “The planning of the Nyack masquerade was groundbreaking,” said Mazzeo, referring to an event designed to replace the village’s iconic annual parade with some fun Halloween. “It wasn’t that it was attracting that many people, understandably, but it helped us understand what it means to unite, to put our heads together.” From there, events such as Nyack Wanderland and the Spring Promenade / Spring Fling have given the village and its traders a boost. At the Spring Promenade, the choice of providers was limited to local companies. “By not having outside suppliers, we eliminated the competition, which was a good solution for the moment, but could possibly even be a solution for street festivals in the future,” said Mazzeo. “We learned how to keep it local. We learned that you don’t have to bring in outside people to reach the crowd. There’s power in business. ”Nyack, already a foodie town, will expand its Big Jerk Caribbean Restaurant & Ice Cream and Nyack Grill on Main Street. Farina’s Café, Mekong District, My Father’s House, Flights & Pints, Woolworth Nyack Smokehouse Sports Bar & Brewery, and the social media savvy Breakfast & Burger Bar all opened during the pandemic. New boutiques include Hope Wade Designs and Modern Druid. “The village has always bounced back from adversity over the decades,” said Paul Adler, Rand Commercial associate broker. “But I also believe that landlords have come to a sense of reality and understand that it is better to fill storefronts with profitable businesses than to leave stores empty.” Commercial real estate agents estimate that landlords save 10 to 20 percent of lease prices and Offer incentives such as a few months of free rent in advance to fill vacancies. Ray Lagstein has run a gallery on South Broadway for six years. During the pandemic, half a dozen tenants left the building in which he is renting space. “I was worried,” said the gallery owner. “I saw the shops empty. It was sad to see stores close. But for the past six weeks I’ve seen the whole building fill up. I think we are having a strong recovery. I can feel the revival. ”Nyack’s village planner estimates the vacancy rate in the commercial sector to be less than 10 percent. In November 2020, Mayor Don Hammond said the village had lost at least 25 small businesses. In response, he set up a business council made up of representatives from the Village of Nyack, Chamber of Commerce, Nyack Merchants United, ACADA and Visit Nyack to work on strengthening the village’s economic strength. The group continues to meet and develop strategies for a post-pandemic world. “Together we found that the village was a safe haven,” said Hammond. “The cooperative spirit of the entrepreneurs has shown what it means to work together and to be successful. We created a new vibe in the community. ”Hammond points out that merchants have used cross-promotion to stimulate trade, with a boutique and restaurant joining together to provide incentives. Eat here and enjoy a $ 50 coupon on a piece of jewelry. Or buy a piece of jewelry and get a discount on a meal. “Nyack laid out the welcome mat,” adds Adler. “Nyack has that ability to deliver an experience. It’s not just about going to a restaurant. It’s the idea of walking down the street, being part of something, be it a fire brigade parade or a PRIDE event. ”Anyone looking for coworking has also discovered Nyack. “When the pandemic broke out, many of us had to adapt working from home,” said Julia Khomut, co-owner / operator of Hudson1Nyack and local architect who converted part of her Hudson Avenue office into coworking. “Having been part of the Nyack business community for several decades, we have recognized that our space has new potential to contribute to our community.” Although it is not in the heart of the village, the Time Hotel Nyack has been franchised Agreement renamed under Hyatt’s “Joie de Vivre” signature line – raising hopes that the village will keep one of two hotels. Interesting boutiques are no stranger to Nyack, but those following the village’s comeback are encouraged to find stores like Dragon’s Den & Dungeon’s Hall, a game store and restaurant, as well as the upcoming Long Path Outfitters, a hiking and outdoor gear store, to see open September. Laura Neil, the owner of Long Path Outfitters, who will fill the space that Maria Louisa cleared and combined into one shop, firmly believes Nyack needs a shop to serve people who enjoy hiking and kayaking. “People reach for things that are safe and familiar,” she said. “Nyack is the gateway to the Hudson Valley. Hook Mountain is the jewel in the crown. We have kayaker access. ”Mazzeo, who says her sales forecasts are back on track, is witnessing a constant flow of urban customers still seeking refuge from the urban complications uncovered during the pandemic. “Every weekend we see couples come over and have coffee and tell us how much they love Nyack,” she said. “They say, ‘I’ll see you next week,’ and they come back and tell us they’ve rented a house or bid on land. This is a great opportunity for the Nyack business community. ”
[ad_2]
