Tag Archives: New York business

NY & Clean Transportation

Environment, ,

Clean transportation has become a priority in NY. Several programs encourage clean transportation:

  • Evolve NY is a $250 million electric vehicle expansion program that will help accelerate NY’s goal to launch 10,000 electronic vehicle charging stations by 2021.
  • The Drive Clean Rebate Program gives NY residents a rebate of approximately $2,000 for the purchase of a new hybrid or electric car from participating car dealers
  • Other incentives include discounts on toll charges for drivers who carpool using NY EZ Pass, also known as the Carpool or Green Pass Plan
  • As an alternative to driving, consumers are encouraged to bike to work. In NYC, Citibike has 12,000 rental bikes available in 60 neighborhoods.

By committing to change, clean transportation can become a reality.

Mom and Pop Stores: Do They Exist in NY?

Architecture, Real Estate,

It’s common knowledge that small, individually owned businesses—affectionately named “mom and pop shops”—have been replaced by large franchises.

New York, like many big cities, has experienced this trend. Rising real estate costs have driven out many small business owners. As these stores vanish, they often take personal histories with them.

One NY couple, Karla and James Murray, have been documenting this evolution through a project titled Store Front: The Disappearing Face of New York City. This couple have compiled pictures and interviews of mom and pop stores since the 1990s.

“And sadly in 2018, it’s over 80 percent that are closed now that are included in the book,” Karla says sadly.

The couple have also created a sculptural installation of mom and pop stores inside Seward Park in NYC.

Other New Yorkers, who develop friendly connections with personnel at larger chain stores, are unfazed by this phenomenon. “Some franchising gets a bad rap, but that person is still a small-business owner,” said John Armstrong, the owner of the franchising consulting firm FranNet of New York City. “They’re still putting in their capital, time and effort — they’re just going a different route.”