Poll: Vacant Stores in Bellmore

Bonnie November 2, 2011 at 05:53 pm

Joan's was closed do to a fire. They are hoping to re-open. The Store next door is for rent, I'd like to see more specialty stores that would bring people to the Bellmore's. We have enough eating establishments. (Mostly all excellent). I'm not sure what kind of specialty shops would be good, maybe cutlery, antique items?

Bob Campbell November 2, 2011 at 09:58 pm

I wouldn't mind having a bookstore -- but I know that is impossible now that e-books have become so popular and the Borders chain has closed all-around the country.

Danielle De Souza (Editor) November 2, 2011 at 11:11 pm

Sad, but true. You rarely see small bookstores in communities nowadays.

MF November 3, 2011 at 02:09 pm

I work in book publishing, and agree with Bob about the necessity of a local bookstore. While e-books are growing in popularity, a good independent bookstore offers what e-books and chains like Barnes & Noble cannot-- a sense of community and personalized service. Independents stock know their customers reading preferences and stock books appropriately, sending monthly newsletters about new releases. They host author signing events, children's storytime and book club meetings, as well serve as a community gathering place. The Book Revue in Huntington is a good model. Similarly, an independent in Bellmore Village can help revitalize and attract people to the area.

Erin November 3, 2011 at 04:00 pm

Anything that might lessen our tax burden.

thomas stoerger November 3, 2011 at 09:05 pm

Anything retail as it generates a portion of sales tax for the area!

Ralph Nesberino November 4, 2011 at 12:28 pm

I agree with you blogger "MF". A "rich" community is filled with informational media which enriches the community and allows everyone in the community to expand their minds. Dissemination of varied viewpoints through different venues is vital.
Seeing bookshops close, magazine and newspapers not being sold in retail stores, and the elimination of talk-radio, might I say, leads us as a society down a road with fewer and fewer options. A community which thrives does have this feeling of enrichment. Nowadays the more affluent neighborhoods still have plenty of reading materials available without having to leave the neighborhood for a magazine.