The Mayor’s Plan To Jumpstart The Economy

Close the streets:

Retail businesses on the Williamsburg block have been struggling this summer more than last year due to customers altering their spending habits during the economic recession. But several owners believe another factor has depressed foot-traffic along the neighborhood’s commercial corridor.

For four weeks earlier this summer, nine blocks of Bedford Avenue were shut down to vehicular traffic as part of the city’s Summer Streets initiative, Williamsburg Walks. Thousands of residents and visitors streamed through the streets to play games, see artwork, and buy crafts and trinkets from street vendors. According to several owners, few visited local businesses on Grand Street during that time.