Jackson Heights Life

. . . I've never understood why people would move into a neighborhood just to complain about all the people who already live there!

That's a very interesting statement. I've always thought it was the natives who were always complaining about all the interlopers. I guess it's just human nature to be complaining about something.

I just got an email from another group list about a possible bookstore location in JH, and I got permission from the person who sent it to re-post it here.  So.  . . the following wasn't written by me, it was written by someone else:

I hope that everyone is enjoying their holiday season.  I wanted to let people know about a space that has become available in Jackson Heights.  I know in previous list serve postings, people have been craving a "bookstore", a gourmet food store, etc.  The biggest stumbling block has seemed to be the high rental costs in the neighborhood, especially 37th avenue. 
 
There is a space on Northern Boulevard, between 80th and 81st street that is now available.  It used to be a used furniture store. I spoke with the managing agent and he is hoping to fill the space with a neighborhood friendly tenant that reflects the needs of the community. His two dream tenets are either a bookstore or an Italian deli.  He is aware of the high rent issues in Jackson Heights and says that in addition to Northern Boulevard's competitive rental rates, he would be willing to negotiate a more favorable deal with the "right tenant".  He mentioned that he already has a few serious inquires so calling him soon is critical.
 
If you have an entrepreneurial spirit please give Hal a call on his cellphone:  845-304-7620.  Tell him you heard about the space from Braden and here's hoping that there will be a new establishment coming soon that will support the ever growing needs of our diverse community!

I surely don't think a B&N or Borders will do well in JH. When we live in East Village, we never buy from them. We'd go to St. Marks Bookstore instead or buy online. There's no love of literature in B&N or Borders. The people who want them here - do you just want to browse books for free? They are the McDonald's of bookstore.

IThere's no love of literature in B&N or Borders.

That's not really true. I've been writing about book publishing for years and used to interview B&N and Borders buyers a lot. They're some of the most dedicated readers I've ever come across. And while those stores and Amazon have made it really difficult for independents to compete--and I have a huge problem with that--they've also made bookstores much more accessible to a wider population. B&N and Borders are by no means my favorite bookstores but they're not the devil they're often made out to be.

I just find it regrettable that when people want a bookstore, they automatically want a chain store. No offense to anyone's taste, but isn't wanting a Barnes and Noble the bookstore equivalent of asking for a T.G.I. Friday's in the neighborhood? JH is about authenticity and local charm!

Yes, an independent bookstore would be a wonderful thing. But...I would rather see a bookstore open up in the neighborhood, no matter whose name is over the door, than no bookstore at all. Also, B&N and Borders are decent bookstores. They may not have that rare book you've been searching for for years or that wonderful feel of a tiny well-run independent and you really probably won't ever be on a first-name basis with any of the booksellers but they offer a good broad range of titles.

I would definitely love more variety in the businesses in the area -- without, of course, completely losing the neighborhood charm. But I've also heard that the rents for commercial real estate properties in the neighborhood have totally skyrocketed and that may make it really hard for an independent anything to open. I hope I'm wrong on that.

And it least it wasn't a Cheap Cuts -- now that would be a total downgrade in charm.