Village Reinstitutes Retail Mix and Marketing Committee to Address Vacancies in Business District
By Carol P. Bartold, Senior Reporter
May 10, 2017: Mayor Mary Marvin announced at the May 8 Bronxville Board of Trustees meeting that the village has reinstituted the Retail Mix and Marketing Committee.
A group of village officials, landlords, merchants, residents, and members of the Bronxville Chamber of Commerce will convene on Wednesday, May 17, to address shared interests and issues stemming from a substantial number of empty storefronts in Bronxville's downtown business district.
"Many of us have noticed that we have a lot of vacancies," Marvin noted. "In my mind, that's really the most important thing right now." She added that several residents have expressed concerns about ensuring that the village remains commercially vital and contributes to a sustained and healthy local economy.
Marvin stated that the members of the newly reformed committee will discuss their shared concerns about promoting commerce in the village. "It's a way to facilitate a coming together of different constituent groups," she said.
Marvin emphasized that the village, in doing its part to support the downtown business district, has been studying ways to increase parking opportunities and streamline the village zoning code and its permitting process for businesses. Every effort, she said, is aimed at promoting commerce in the village.
Although residents have speculated that owners of empty storefronts realize substantial tax benefits that serve as a disincentive to lease the spaces, that is not in accordance with reality. Any tax relief a property owner might gain by filing a certiorari for tax relief would not only be minuscule but also would not approach the level of revenue that could be earned from a tenant with a lease.
Costs of doing business, such as mortgage payments, insurance premiums, maintenance costs, and utility costs, must be paid whether a property is occupied or vacant. Empty storefronts have a negative impact on the synergy of neighboring businesses and tend to depress lease rates.
"The village wants to do whatever we can," Marvin stated, "and bring our constituents in to see if together we can do something."
Pictured here (L to R): Mayor Mary Marvin, Deputy Mayor Robert Underhill, trustee Guy Longobardo, and Village Administrator Jim Palmer.
Photo by Carol P. Bartold, Senior Reporter
Government & History Directory
Bronxville is a quaint village (one square mile) located just 16 miles north of midtown Manhattan (roughly 30 minutes on the train) and has a population of approximately 6,500. It is known as a premier community with an excellent public school (K-12) and easy access to Manhattan. Bronxville offers many amenities including an attractive business district, a hospital (Lawrence Hospital), public paddle and tennis courts, fine dining at local restaurants, two private country clubs and a community library.
While the earliest settlers of Bronxville date back to the first half of the 18th century, the history of the modern suburb of Bronxville began in 1890 when William Van Duzer Lawrence purchased a farm and commissioned the architect, William A. Bates, to design a planned community of houses for well-known artists and professionals that became a thriving art colony. This community, now called Lawrence Park, is listed on the National register of Historic Places and many of the homes still have artists’ studios. A neighborhood association within Lawrence Park called “The Hilltop Association” keeps this heritage alive with art shows and other events for neighbors.
Bronxville offers many charming neighborhoods as well as a variety of living options for residents including single family homes, town houses, cooperatives and condominiums. One of the chief benefits of living in “the village” is that your children can attend the Bronxville School.
The Bronxville postal zone (10708, known as “Bronxville PO”) includes the village of Bronxville as well as the Chester Heights section of Eastchester, parts of Tuckahoe and the Lawrence Park West, Cedar Knolls, Armour Villa and Longvale sections of Yonkers. Many of these areas have their own distinct character. For instance, the Armour Villa section has many historic homes and even has its own newsletter called “The Villa Voice” which reports on neighborhood news.
Link to Village of Bronxville One Square Mile Monthly Newsletter
Village of Bronxville Administrative Offices
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