OPINION: Pandemic Makes Outer Boroughs a Mecca for Business
Some experts are saying that the COVID 19 pandemic has been the death knell of business in Manhattan, but there are those of us who believe that COVID has had one positive impact: it has opened the doors of opportunity to the rest of the City. It is true to say that many businesses in Manhattan did not survive, and in spite of the re-openings, many will still be forced to shut their doors. However, that painful truth for Manhattan has allowed communities like Staten Island, with so much to offer potential transplants, like an educated workforce, lower rents, high median and disposable incomes, an opportunity like never before.
The New York City shut down has forced owners and managers to re-think what their work force looks like, where it will be housed, and just how necessary full time, in-person work really is. This deep dive in to business operations has allowed leaders to seriously consider decentralization because it is apparent that not everyone needs to be working together to get the job done. Decentralizing locations spreads the wealth around the city. Not only will vacant properties outside of Manhattan become more attractive for redevelopment, but businesses ranging from restaurants to office supply and copy shops stand to benefit from the influx of people.
There are many other benefits of the Manhattan exodus that go beyond just the costs of doing business, which are admittedly far less on Staten Island. Communities outside the City will experience less of a brain drain, where the best and the brightest leave their home neighborhoods to work. It is no secret that this loss has long term effects on a community because those same residents grow their careers and their families elsewhere.
People like to live near where they work — for a number of reasons. The relocation of business to bedroom communities provides parents with more time for their families and has distinct mental health benefits, eliminating some of the stressors caused by before and after school care, not to mention the challenges of remote and virtual learning. Not the least of these stressors is the ever present commuter stress…a reality for Staten Islanders who face one of the longest commute times of anyone in the country. Making Staten Island home to more and more businesses will allow residents to save time and money while minimizing the anxiety of insufferable traffic plaguing the community. As an ancillary benefit of businesses relocating outside of Manhattan, the traffic congestion, which will only be exacerbated post COVID due to fears of public transit, can be minimized and the environment spared.
When it comes to bringing back our economy, Staten Island is the city’s hidden gem with a lot to offer for better business, better community and a better environment.
