Inspired by the Upper West Side, downtown and Upper East Side community boards are talking about measures that would change retail zoning to allow for small stores and mom-and-pop retail. Community Board 8 (East Side from 59th to 96th streets) plans merely to discuss the UWS proposal; a community board 3 subcommittee is considering a "special purpose district" meant to limit new bars, restaurants, chains, and banks in the neighborhood. CB 3 is also considering fees for large chain retailers, which would then be funneled back to the owners of smaller businesses. [NYP]
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