Bob Weinstein’s Post

New York City just isn’t what it used to be. There--I said it. Anyone have a good umbrella repair shop in NYC? I couldn’t find one either! It’s been over 60 years since we’ve updated our commercial zoning rules. We still have regulations for umbrella repair shops, taxidermy stores, and ship chandlers on the books. (I had to google that last one too.) But it’s not just that... There’s a lot of confusion about what can go where. Did you know that in most NYC local retail corridors: -->  Stores can sell bikes but cannot rent or repair them on-site. -->  Bars can have live music, but not stand-up. (Don’t even think about dancing!) -->  A salon can do your hair, but not your wig. -->   You can open a store to sell your sourdough, but not your hot sauce. The good news--the city has finally figured out it’s time for a change. Read more about why we need it in this article. Some communities have legitimate concerns, and I fully expect that the City Council will temper some of these changes, especially around nightlife and home occupations. So how do you capitalize on this? Give me a call. https://lnkd.in/gk5jxfgX

Reading about San Francisco's 'Toiletgate' really hit home for us at Looie. It's a vivid reminder of the challenges and red tape cities face in providing basic amenities like public restrooms. The story of a $1.7M toilet project stalling in Noe Valley, despite the community's clear need, is both frustrating and eye-opening. That's exactly where Looie steps in. Our self-contained units are built to bypass traditional hurdles, offering a swift, cost-effective, and eco-friendly alternative. We've designed Looie with the community in mind—easy to install, accessible to everyone, and kind to the planet. It's our answer to the pressing need for practical solutions that don't get bogged down by bureaucracy or break the bank. We believe that everyone deserves access to clean, safe, and aesthetically pleasing restrooms, regardless of where they are. As we continue to grow, we're inspired by stories like these to push harder, innovate faster, and help cities overcome these seemingly intractable problems. Thank you Hamzah Ansari and Sam Daniel for sharing this article with us! #Looie #UrbanInnovation #CommunityFirst #EcoFriendlySolutions #AccessibilityMatters

Residents of St. Louis have placed a heavy importance on local community centers for many years. The City had a strong desire to increase youth and elderly outreach in the North Side and South Side neighborhoods as well as overall public health and growth through safe and vibrant recreation centers. This resulted in the City of St. Louis hiring KAI to design a new two-story, 75,000 square foot community recreation complex in Carondelet Park. Designers placed a heavy importance on an open light-filled concept to be welcoming to all ages with amenities to match. Among its many amenities are a two-court gym, multilevel fitness center, childcare room, dining area, aerobics room, and maybe most importantly an indoor and outdoor pool with a water slide and lazy river! The city also hired KAI to design a second 75,000 square foot community recreation center in O’Fallon Park. Designed with an emphasis on community involvement, this facility includes a two-court gym, 5,776 square foot fitness and weight rooms, youth and senior multipurpose rooms for outreach programs, aerobic and dining rooms, and two pools both indoor and outdoor with a water slide and lazy river as well! This facility is designed for sustainability and is LEED Silver certified. Both facilities are managed by the Gateway Region YMCA, and as KAI celebrates #BlackHistoryMonth, we couldn’t be prouder of the outcome of both projects as we continue our goal to change communities for the better. Read more about these projects in the links below! https://lnkd.in/gp2Dqb_S https://lnkd.in/gY8b5XCU #TransformingCommunities #CommunityImpact #AEC #Design #Engineering #CommunityInvestment #Construction #CivicDesign #MunicipalDesign #CommunityRecreation

Really interesting read from Editor Harry Cheadle of Eater Seattle highlighting a new way businesses are integrating themselves within their larger communities 📰 From multi-family buildings and hotels to retail stores and auto dealerships, more and more businesses are adding open-to-the-public spaces to foster a sense of community and engagement 🤝 Take a look at this new coffee shop that opened inside The Watermark at Bellevue, an upscale senior living facility on the Eastside: 👉 https://lnkd.in/geHdP77m Curious what everyone's thoughts are on this. Is this just a new way for businesses to bring in additional customers and revenue? 🤔 Or are we seeing an authentic adoption of the third place within spaces that haven't traditionally been seen as a third place? Share your thoughts in the comments down below ⬇ #article #trending #businesstrends #community #thirdplace

Did you know that Waterloo Region doesn't have a cultural plan? I've never heard of anything so short-sighted. There are so many gems in the region but they are not being properly funded, and they are not being encouraged to work together to elevate the community. Three small cities working in isolation is a waste of time and spending. We need a regional plan to support, coordinate and elevate all the committed arts and culture organizations across the region.

Happy Wednesday!!😀 WHATS UP WITH THE SANDRA MOON 🌛PROJECT? Author | C. Knighten Source | Bigpicturehuntsville.com Our community here in Huntsville, is growing by leaps and bounds....literally. As we grow it is important that we keep in mind how old or abandoned buildings and complexes effect both the spirit and appearance of each unique community. When Grissom High School relocated to their new campus off South Parkway in 2017, the left behind a huge campus that had a been a focal point of activity on Bailey Cove Road. Because it was such and integral part of that community, a plan was in place to repurpose that location into a 'town center'! The city decided to leverage the existing assets......location, land, theatre, recreation facilities....and to incorporate additional improvements to create an amazing complex that benefits the entire community. The new South Huntsville Public Library which serves as a multifunctional facility featuring its own coffee ☕shop called the Hatch Cafe', a makerspace studio and teen gaming🎮 center are big hits in the community. Additional upgrades will include, more green space and a new playground, parking upgrades, and bike🚴♀️ and ped connections to promote healthy lifestyles. The 2nd Phase has turned the community center into a thriving Performance Arts Center with Arts Huntsville at its head! Their plan is to pull together outstanding performance arts groups from across the city to make this new center their home! The 3rd Phase is just around the corner and includes a new playground and additional parking. This phase will go out for bid by the end of the year. Between ranking in the Top 10 as One of the Best Cities to live in and being home to the #1 Chocolate shop in the entire United States.....why would you want to live anywhere else?? THAT....is the question!😎 #deancommercialrealestate #commercialrealestate #propertymanagement #investors #retail #medicaloffices #leases #propertyinvestors #warehouses #huntsville #madison #athens

BUSHWICK IS THE PLACE TO BE! 🌟🧑🎤👩🎤 Even the numbers back it up—Bushwick is emerging as one of the most popular neighborhoods in New York City. Here’s why: ▶️VIBRANT CULTURE: Bushwick’s dynamism is fueled by the influx of young professionals who bring innovation and energy to the area. ▶️THRIVING ARTS AND NIGHTLIFE SCENE: 🎨🎶 Renowned for its artsy vibe, Bushwick is home to countless galleries, studios, and unique venues. Whether it’s enjoying a slice at Roberta’s, dancing the night away at House of Yes, or exploring the eclectic performances at Elsewhere and the Bushwick Collective Art Center, there’s something for everyone. - - - - - - - HOW THIS TRANSLATES INTO NUMBERS: ▶️Property Values: Median home values have jumped over 10% in the past year (Zillow). ▶️Young Professional Growth: Residents aged 25-34 have increased by 15% in the last decade (Census). ▶️Income Levels: Median household income is up 20% in five years. ▶️Dining and Nightlife: A 25% rise in new bars and restaurants in three years. ▶️Affordability: Housing is about 30% cheaper per square foot compared to Williamsburg. Bushwick’s dynamic mix of culture, growth, and affordability makes it the place to be in NYC. #Bushwick #NYCRealEstate #EmergingNeighborhood #Brooklyn #YoungProfessionals #ArtScene #Nightlife #PropertyInvestment #RealEstateTrends #AffordableHousing #UrbanDevelopment #VibrantCulture

High Streets Task Force have published their annual report for 2022-23,  shedding light on the challenges and opportunities still facing high streets.  Here are some key takeaways from Laura Bosworth, Founder & CMO at LOCAL LIFE and REAL Retail: ⭐ The Essence of Place Branding  “A compelling narrative, consistently told, can transform a high street from a mere location to a destination. It's not just about footfall; it's about creating emotional connections and memories.” ⭐ The Power of Local Partnerships “collective spirit not only revitalises physical spaces but also fosters a much-needed sense of community ownership and pride!” ⭐ Navigating Economic Challenges "How do high streets maintain their allure amidst rising costs? It's a delicate balance of reinforcing value while also exploring innovative solutions to keep offerings accessible." ⭐ Beyond Branding High streets are “living, breathing places that thrive on collaboration, adapt to economic challenges, and, most importantly, evolve with the stories of the people who inhabit them.” 🔗 Access the full High Streets Task Force annual report (2022-23) here:  https://lnkd.in/eE4g8mb8 🔗 Read the full article by Laura Bosworth for more insights into the report:  https://lnkd.in/eZmg4Bk6

I’ve lived on the Upper East Side for 30 years and it shows. Believe it or not, it used to be a playground for the young and hip… Back in the days before they knew what Brooklyn was. Now? My 26 year old nephew wouldn’t be caught hanging out here. It’s where old people (like me) live. But here’s the upside to being around the block this long: With all the young people seeking cooler neighborhoods, the price of the esteemed Upper East Side are now (believe it or not) more affordable - particularly East of 2nd Avenue.. Williamsburg and Brooklyn Heights bleed you dry these days. But here? It's a pleasantly surprising different story. This shift in affordability is starting to attract a whole new crowd. And so it goes with the ebb and flow of Manhattan’s neighborhoods. Don’t get me wrong, Fifth Ave and Park Ave are still as pricey as ever. But there's this other side… a side that's becoming more accessible and (dare I say) cool again. The 2nd Ave subway has completely transformed the avenue and attracted an incredible variety of new restaurants and clubs, including many for the younger set. Yes, you can go dancing on the upper east side. Who knew? So I’ve stuck around long enough to witness the rise, fall and rise again of the Upper East Side. Now who feels old? What other Manhattan neighborhoods are coming back around? #uppereastside #newyorkcity #manhattan

Washington, D.C., is making significant strides in revitalizing Chinatown by introducing the "Safe Commercial Corridor Hub" program. This initiative is a boost for public safety and a boon for businesses and commercial real estate in the area. 🔹 Decrease in Crime Rates: Since the launch of the Safe Commercial Corridor Hub, there has been a notable decrease in crime within the vicinity of Capital One Arena—45% within a 1000-foot radius! This has instilled a greater sense of security among residents and tourists, making Chinatown a more attractive location for businesses. 🔹 Enhanced Community Support: The hub provides integrated services addressing homelessness, mental health, and substance abuse, directly supporting the local nightlife and businesses. Trained community safety ambassadors actively engage with the community, handling everything from minor disturbances to emergency situations, ensuring a prompt and coordinated response. 🔹 Positive Business Outlook: With improved safety and dedicated support, businesses are experiencing a more stable and predictable environment conducive to growth. This initiative retains existing businesses and attracts new investments to the area, enhancing the overall commercial real estate market. Chinatown's transformation highlights the potential of focused urban management and community engagement to foster safer, thriving commercial districts. It's a model worth watching! #UrbanRevitalization #CommercialRealEstate #PublicSafety #ChinatownDC #BusinessDevelopment