The EVCC works to support independent small businesses in our neighborhood to help maintain the diverse, unique community that has long thrived here and is essential for our future. Through community input and our Formula Retail Working Group, we analyzed the current state of formula retail within the East Village. The EVCC’s 2015 Preserving Local, Independent Retail report includes a set of proposals for limiting chain stores in the neighborhood through zoning reforms.
According to the Center for Urban Future, 2017 marked the ninth consecutive year there was a net increase in national chain stores throughout the five boroughs. To defend communities against this homogenizing trend, San Francisco and NYC’s own Upper West Side have turned to formula retail regulation.
In 2008, three corridors on NYC’s Upper West Side were rezoned as “Special Districts” in an attempt to offset a trend toward store frontages being overtaken by banks and apartment lobbies. The zoning now limits the storefront sizes and certain store conversions or changes in use. The City Council’s December 2017 report, Planning for Retail Diversity, states “restrictions on storefront sizes have been effective in stabilizing the number of storefronts on Amsterdam and Columbus Avenues and preventing the displacement of existing businesses for storefront mergers”.
San Francisco is the largest urban area in the US to have strict formula retail business restrictions. San Francisco’s zoning only allows formula retail in certain neighborhoods; requires neighborhood notifications before any chain retail is permitted; and can limit the size and type of formula retail allowed in a given area. The San Francisco Department of Planning’s website details the restrictions and provides residents with a link where they can find out exact zoning for specific sites.
The EVCC continues to press for any and all measures to support local independent business, and is working with CB 3 on a proposed Special District for the East Village.
Latest News on Our Efforts
- LES Open Arts Outside SAT OCT 9 2 – 4pmJoin us for workshops, exhibits and performances from your favorite FABnyc member organizations! Come out to the Avenue B Open Street to meet us and learn more about what we do!Read More
- FRI 9/24 – SUN 10/3 LUNGS Harvest Arts Festival!Check out the jam-packed schedule of activities and performances in your local community gardens!Read More
- SUN SEP 19 Residential SAFE Disposal Event 10 am – 4 pm!Dispose of harmful household products safely, rain or shine! Drop off Solvents, Automotive, Flammable and Electronic waste on the South side of 17th Street, between Park Avenue South & Broadway. Registration required! Learn more about what you can bring.Read More
- THU AUG 26 The Future of Outdoor Dining! 6pmJoin EVCC and Village Preservation for a conversation about the future of outdoor dining and the use of public space! While most residents understood the need for an outdoor dining program during the height of the pandemic emergency, there are many concerns about the program, its expansion, and what permanent implementation might mean. We’ll review our ...Read More
- SAT JULY 10 LES Culture & Community Day! 2 – 6pmJoin FABnyc, Dorill Initiative, G.O.L.E.S, Loisaida Center, The Lower East Side Girls Club, Sixth Street Community Center, Swiss Institute, Tompkins Square Library (and more!) for an afternoon of culture & community on the Ave B Open Street between 8th & 9th Streets.Read More
- StreetLab and Let There Be Jazz! 3 – 5pm Fridays in MayJoin Loisaida Open Streets Community Coalition (LOSCC) and StreetLab for obstacle courses, chalk drawing and free play from 2 – 5pm Fridays in May! With a very special lineup of top-notch jazz musicians from Gotham Yardbird Sanctuary from 3 – 5pm.Read More
- MAS Jane’s Walk NYC: Yiddish Theater CultureJoin Municipal Arts Society and the Lower East Side Preservation Initiative (LESPI) for a livestream virtual tour exploring the creativity and culture of early Yiddish Theater and its contribution to NYC culture. Led by licensed tour guide Barry Feldman and EVCC Executive Director Laura Sewell. Watch the replay of this wonderful program presented by the Lower ...Read More
- Get Summer Started with the 14th Street Y! SUN 1 PM & WED 6:30 PM through JUNEJoin LOSCC and the 14th Street Y for FREE fitness classes on the Ave B Open Street (13th – 14th Streets). All levels welcome!Read More
- LUNGS Spring Awakening 1- 5 PM SAT MAY 1Loisaida United Neighborhood Gardens’ Spring Awakening parade sets off at noon from El Sol Brillante Garden, 12th Street between Aves A & B, visits local gardens and lands on the Ave B Open Street. Join LOSCC and FABnyc for an afternoon of performances, tours, seed giveaways and more!Read More
- Zumba on the Ave B Open Street! 1 & 2 PM SAT MAR 27Join us for a FREE drop-in Zumba Class on Ave B between 9th & 10th Streets! Low impact at 1 PM, all levels at 2 PM. Sponsored by NYC DOT and produced by Loisaida Open Streets Community Coalition.Read More