Hunter College Center for Community Planning and Development recently conducted a study to analyze the impact that the proposed Flushing Commons might have on local community merchants. The report reveals that there are more small businesses in Flushing than the government recorded last year and that these will face competition from merchants moving into Flushing Commons, causing the small business owners difficulties in running their businesses and retaining employees.
Jim Gerson, founder of the Flushing Coalition for Responsible Development, said that the study combined both qualitative and quantitative analyses. He will present the report to the City Hall's Zoning and Franchises Committee, hoping that they will reconsider their support for the proposal.
According to the report, Flushing has 2,100 retailers and service providers; however, the City Council's records show only 970. The report pointed out that these small businesses are vital to the economic power of Flushing. Only 1.9 percent of small businesses are national franchises. In addition, although the New York City's Economic Development Center stated that the merchants entering Flushing Commons will not affect the small business local to the community, there is no evidence supporting that assertion.
On the contrary, the Hunter report indicates that the Flushing Commons merchants will directly compete with 450 small businesses. The competition, coupled with the increase in parking fees, will probably drive out many small businesses. These businesses employ 1,800 workers, who could face being laid off in the future.
A Flushing Commons merchant, Michael Meyer, said that the Hunter report results are very different from the previous one conducted by Economic Development Center professionals over a two-year period, which also sought to examine the social impact of the Commons.
In addition, rumors are circulating that there may be funding problems due to an economy that has not recovered, which concerns many of the Commons' merchants. Meyer, however, disputes the allegation and says there nothing to support it. He emphasized that the proposal would continue, pending approval from the City Hall on July 27.
