[Neighbors] Closures - Supporting Long-Term Flourishing of the Business Corridor

[Drew]

Respectfully, I wholly disagree with this stance as a viable or supportive
strategy to bring about long-term flourishing of our business corridor.  I
encourage you and others to consider these points and how our short-term
positions must be different than our long term aspirations:

   1.

   *Dilapidated Infrastructure*: Even before the pandemic, vacancies have
   outnumbered the businesses interested in occupying these spaces. The
   location where the Library plans to set up has been vacant for so long that
   it now requires significant investment to restore it to a usable condition.
   This investment will reduce future capital needs, making the space more
   attractive for future tenants, even if businesses cycle through.
   2.

   *Present Business Creates Future Opportunity*: Businesses not only bear
   the cost of upgrading these spaces but also bring energy, foot traffic, and
   potential customers to the area. Their presence, even temporarily,
   mitigates issues like graffiti and other forms of blight, which deter
   investment. A vibrant business environment encourages other entrepreneurs
   to consider setting up shop.
   3.

   *Encouraging Density for Profitability*: Business success is tied to
   foot traffic, which depends on population density. NHNA should prioritize
   supporting projects like high-quality multi-family housing, such as the
   development planned at Silver/Wellesley, in addition to hotels and other
   businesses that drive traffic to the area. More people = increased
   patronage and long-term viability for businesses.
   4. *Reputation and Future Investment*: Currently, we are not in a
   position to be overly selective in choosing which businesses invest in our
   neighborhood. The perception that NHNA overly validates a few NIMBY voices
   has damaged our reputation, making us appear as a conservative barrier
   that's resistant to new ideas and investment. This stance discourages the
   very energy and development our corridor desperately needs.


Sincerely,

Drew

3716 Arlote Ave SE
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