Downtown Retail Revitalization is Top Priority, Umbrella Group Says

NEW YORK CITY- Downtown Rebounds, a recently-formed advocacy group encompassing more than 20 Lower Manhattan business, civic, residential and education interests that represent 50,000 residents and 350,000 area workers polled the community on various neighborhood issues. One key finding is that 35% of those surveyed view revitalization of street level local retail services as the overall top priority for downtown reconstruction. Another finding was that 78% of downtown residents plan to remain in their neighborhood for the long haul, despite personal losses and disruptions.

Approximately 800 residents who live in various neighborhoods on both the east and west sides of Lower Manhattan below Canal St. were polled by Blum and Weprin Associates May 4 through 6.

“We felt it was good to be a collective voice and have a say in the rebuilding process,” says Richard Kennedy, a senior director at Cushman & Wakefield, who is also a Friends of Community Board #1 member, regarding the formation of Downtown Rebounds. “It’s very telling that a neighborhood can come together after the worst disaster and become a vibrant community again.”