Written by Carol P. Bartold

Nov. 26, 2014: To Bronxville resident Paige Nagle, the persistent problem of empty storefronts presented a holiday opportunity. With the help Admiral Real Estate Services Corp., Mrs. Morgan's Flower Shop, and the Bronxville Beautification Committee, Nagle and her foundation have brightened up an otherwise dark corner in the village's business district located at the corner of Pondfield Road and Garden Avenue across the street from The Running Store.

A large, full Christmas tree decorated with white lights sits in the storefront's corner picture window. Slimmer trees, graced with matching white lights, flank the store's doorway.

After access to the store was gained, the first step in realizing the project was to have the storefront's windows washed. "That alone made the place look better," Nagle said. She worked with George McKinnis, chair of the Bronxville Beautification Committee, to complete the window washing.

Bob Krause of Mrs. Morgan's Flower Shop not only supplied the trees, he also put them up and helped decorate them. Nagle and Krause both noted that there might be more decorations to come as Christmas approaches. When the season ends, she said, the village has offered to store the decorations in village hall's basement so they will be ready for next year.

"There's no end to what we can do," Nagle said. "Everyone is very positive about it." She said that she has received an overwhelming number of phone calls and emails from residents who complimented the decorations along with the idea of making the most of otherwise dark commercial properties.

Nagle told the story of an appreciative couple that had seen a film at the Bow Tie Cinema on Kraft Avenue. "They walked around the corner to have dinner at Underhills Crossing restaurant, passed by the decorated storefront, and said it was a cheery sight on a chilly evening."

Nagle said that she would like to decorate another store, perhaps on Kraft Avenue, visible to people getting off the train at Bronxville station.

"Paige's gesture of generosity is a perfect example of why Bronxville is such a special place to call home," said Bronxville Mayor Mary Marvin.

Pictured here (L to R): Bob Krause from Mrs. Morgan's Flower Shop and Paige Nagle standing in front of cleaned windows and a newly installed Christmas tree. 

Photo by N. Bower