Nanuet Main Street - Now is the time

Okay Nanuet businesses, listen up! As you know, Simon Properties will soon tear down the Nanuet Mall to build a new, quaint "Main Street" mall... but hang on, we have a Main Street with shops! But almost no one shops there. Why is that? Let's face it, Nanuet's Main Street looks awful. It's dirty, falling apart; a collection of unappealing stores seemingly without support or plans for improvement. It seems to have been abandoned long ago by the landlords who own the properties. And while the new street lamps are nice, they had virtually no impact on the overall look.

LANDLORDS – you have a golden opportunity to take advantage of the coming shopping boon! This would be the time to make an investment in your property! If you don't have the money, energy or inclination, sell it to an investor with vision who would probably be happy to snap it up and make a windfall!  If you're staying, meet with the other landlords, lay out a plan for improvement and prepare a joint RFP to save money and benefit from the ultimate "Main Street makeover!"

RETAILERS - this is your responsibility too! Walk outside and look at your storefront, your sign, your windows… are they attractive and appealing to the eye, or are they cluttered with tacky signs, tattered awnings and old, dusty items? Is your shop a turn off because it is in dire need of a paint job or because of a general lack of upkeep? The bottom line IS the bottom line, if you want more business; make your store appealing to those driving by. And consider the fact that Simon Properties, Alex Gromack and the Town of Clarkstown will be doing the advertising and marketing for you! They will be promoting the great shopping at the Main Street Mall in Nanuet and most people have to drive past your stores to get there! You only need an attractive store front so people driving down the REAL NANUET MAIN STREET, say, "Hey, this is cute! Let's shop here!"

This is a HUGE opportunity for Nanuet to benefit and finally live up to its potential of becoming a lovely little town for shopping and living. Nanuet has been distinguished as one of the best places to live and is located in the second safest town in America. We deserve a nicer Main Street. Now is the time.

Risa B. Hoag is president of GMG Public Relations in Nanuet, a lifetime Nanuet resident, a member of the Orange & Rockland Community Investment Committee and a former Vice President of the Nanuet Chamber of Commerce.