Additional quote regarding the trend in new retail construction:
Free-Standing Retail Growing Fifteen years ago, 55% of retail stores were developed in shopping centers. Today, that percentage has dropped to approximately 20%. Accordingly, 80% of new retail developments are free-standing.
more evidence that my comment that Rotterdam Square Mall needs to be redeveloped as an open-air shopping area like Mohawk Commons and Clifton Commons.
George Amedore & Christian Klueg for NYS Senate 2016 Pete Vroman for State Assembly 2016[/size][/color]
"For this is what America is all about. It is the uncrossed desert and the unclimbed ridge. It is the star that is not reached and the harvest that is sleeping in the unplowed ground." Lyndon Baines Johnson
The enclosed mall concept is actually obsolete ----- time to give Rotterdam Square Mall a Clifton Commons/Mohawk Common makeover.
And get some decent anchor stores.
Anchor stores, without a job, DV needs some dollar stores close to the aunties house where he crashes.
Obsolete? Yeah, that's there has to be so much parking space at Crossgates. That's why traffic on Wolf Rd is is slowed to a crawl. We've NEVER had a problem finding a place to park in Mohawk Commons at Christmas shoppng time, but forget trying to get into the malls---shoppers flock to malls.
Sears and Macys are good stores. But we'd like to see Rotterdam get a Boscovs, Penney's and a Bed, Bath and Beyond too.
Places like Mohawk Commons are ok if you are going to one store only. If you are buying a book (not online) you can go into Barnes and Noble, then go home. Maybe getting something at Bed Bath and Beyond, so you go to that one store and go home. But how many people are going to go into Barnes and Noble and then walk to BB&B in rain or snow? It's a maze driving through there.
And while the distance is not all that far, from one end to the other, you take your life in your hands at Mohawk Commons. Christmas shopping season for working people is generally after dark and trying to get from one building to another at Mohawk is dangerous. Few sidewalks unless you walk on the perimeter.
Mall is oh so much easier, And the places like Mohawk Commons you'd never be able to get a small fraction as many stores as can be in a mall. Many more choices at malls. BUt of course, DV thinks few choices are better I'm sure---that's the socialist way.
Optimists close their eyes and pretend problems are non existent. Better to have open eyes, see the truths, acknowledge the negatives, and speak up for the people rather than the politicos and their rich cronies.
Joe -- there are MANY MORE examples of enclosed malls being torn down completely or reconfigured to be more like Mohawk Commons across the country. There are a few "destination malls" like Carousel Mall and Mall of America but they are fewer and farther between.
This is a quote from the National Center for Community Economic Development: "Of the 45,800 centers in U.S., 1,100 are regional or super regional shopping malls. Approximately 7- 12-percent of U.S. malls are considered economically obsolete. Many of these malls were created at a time when most households had only one income and there was more leisure time for shopping. Many retailers have left the mall for open-air shopping centers. The cost of operating in a mall is more expensive as these facilities have common costs of heat, light and security. They are also more expensive to build (as a result, only a handful are currently under construction). Retailer margins are very slim and they have difficulty paying $40/SF (requiring sales of $400- $500/SF). Accordingly, more department stores are going into open-air shopping centers. Some industry experts believe that Sears, once an anchor for most every successful mall, will one day be an “off-mall” retailer."
Rotterdam Square Mall needs a multi-million dollar investment to either turn into a "desitnation/regional shopping mall" or to convert it into an open-air shopping center like Mohawk Commons or Clifton Commons ---- my educated guess is that it would be MUCH MORE FEASIBLE to convert it into an open-air shopping center --------a new Rotterdam Commons.
I don't deny that malls in some areas are not the desirable shopping experience. But in areas with "weather" issues (like NY), I have to believe an enclosed environment, where you park your car and do all your shopping indoors is still the desireable choice. Places like Mohawk Commons, you shop at one store, go back to your car and drive to the other end to shop some more.....not my cup of tea.
By the way, your quote is from 2003 and was from Center For Community Economic Development, University of Wisconsin-Extension. Being an 8 year old document, I belive it is not up-to-date with current data. http://www.uwex.edu/CES/cced/downtowns/ltb/lets/LTB0103.pdf
BUT, on another note, I apprecaite the way you handled replying without drama, names, political crap, etc. Isn't that wonderful and fun? Try it more often and we can all get along.....maybe! (LOL)
JUST BECAUSE SISSY SAYS SO DOESN'T MAKE IT SO...BUT HE THINKS IT DOES!!!!! JUST BECAUSE MC1 SAYS SO DOESN'T MAKE IT SO!!!!!
Mohawk Commons IS wasted space....ALOT of black top space.....poor design....and to think we paid to move that stupid old building across the street.....STUPID STUPID STUPID.....it's a damn building NOT the colosseum...now if there were lion fights I say keep it........oh wait---the pitbulls might get the venue first.....
...you are a product of your environment, your environment is a product of your priorities, your priorities are a product of you......
The replacement of morality and conscience with law produces a deadly paradox.
STOP BEING GOOD DEMOCRATS---STOP BEING GOOD REPUBLICANS--START BEING GOOD AMERICANS
Under the DEM morons the County's economic conditions have deteriorated to new lows. When you have anti-business policies soon you have no business. 109 year old Olender's closes it's doors, 2 shootings Downtown and a fire in Ham Hill all on the same day. Meanwhile the DEMS lie about job creation {which is actually down by thousands} and McCarthy plans a new EMS tax. Town Hall, City Hall and the County building all need a sweeping. A vote for any DEM is a vote to continue the County economic implosion, the horrible self dealing and full employment for incompetent lobs.
I don't deny that malls in some areas are not the desirable shopping experience. But in areas with "weather" issues (like NY), I have to believe an enclosed environment, where you park your car and do all your shopping indoors is still the desireable choice. Places like Mohawk Commons, you shop at one store, go back to your car and drive to the other end to shop some more.....not my cup of tea.
By the way, your quote is from 2003 and was from Center For Community Economic Development, University of Wisconsin-Extension. Being an 8 year old document, I belive it is not up-to-date with current data. http://www.uwex.edu/CES/cced/downtowns/ltb/lets/LTB0103.pdf
BUT, on another note, I apprecaite the way you handled replying without drama, names, political crap, etc. Isn't that wonderful and fun? Try it more often and we can all get along.....maybe! (LOL)
It may not be your "cup of tea" but it is the trend in new commercial retail development and in the redevelopment of commercial retail properties ALL across the country. The quote may be old -- but the trend is very current ----- the trend is to open-air shopping centers like Mohawk Commons and away from malls.
There isa place for "regional" or "super regional malls" like Crossgates and possibly Colonie Center -- but a metropolitan area will only support 1 such regional or super regional mall. That is why there is such a competition between the owners of Colonie Center and Crossgates Mall .. to see which mall will be THE destination mall and which mall will flounder. Right now, Colonie Center seems to be winning in the battle.
Back to Rotterdam Square Mall --- the mall was opened in 1988 and is in serious need of a major updating .. it has NEVER gotten the investment of $$$ and attention that other properties owned by the same developer received. With Sears/K-Mart (owned by the same company) in financial trouble and Macy's having some issues and the departure of smaller stores and eateries within the mall .... NOW is the time to have the conversation -------------in what direction to take the mall ========== and I believe it needs a major overhaul, redevelopment more along the lines of a an open-air mall and it needs to bring in some new stronger anchor stores.
George Amedore & Christian Klueg for NYS Senate 2016 Pete Vroman for State Assembly 2016[/size][/color]
"For this is what America is all about. It is the uncrossed desert and the unclimbed ridge. It is the star that is not reached and the harvest that is sleeping in the unplowed ground." Lyndon Baines Johnson
Rotterdam Square might have to do a "mohawk commons"...A successful mall usually has a high end store and mid-level store as anchors. Rotterdam Square has low level and poor excuse for a mid-level in the far too small sears. With the Big walmart in Glenville and the new Target plaza being built in the same town, you can forget about people from Scotia/Glenville coming over the bridge. And why would Amsterdam residents come since Rt30 has grown so much? An alternative to the Mohawk Commons approach is a Stuyvesant Plaza west. Either way, things look bleak for Rotterdam Square.
"Arguing with liberals is like playing chess with a pigeon; no matter how good I am at chess, the pigeon is just going to knock out the pieces, crap on the board, and strut around like it is victorious." - Author Unknown
The key to good government is strategic LONG range planning ---- this includes having a comprehensive plan for all town programs including parks ... and it includes economic development which means not just attracting NEW construction but helping foresee opportunities to redevelop under-performing properties BEFORE they become vacant or slide too far.
That is why I believe that the next town administration needs to at least have a conversation with the owners of Rotterdam Square Mall regarding its future.
George Amedore & Christian Klueg for NYS Senate 2016 Pete Vroman for State Assembly 2016[/size][/color]
"For this is what America is all about. It is the uncrossed desert and the unclimbed ridge. It is the star that is not reached and the harvest that is sleeping in the unplowed ground." Lyndon Baines Johnson
T not just attracting NEW construction but helping foresee opportunities to redevelop under-performing properties BEFORE they become vacant or slide too far.
That is why I believe that the next town administration needs to at least have a conversation with the owners of Rotterdam Square Mall regarding its future.
Naturally you will say that attracing new construction should include theft of the taxpayers money
What do you suggest? The town dictatorship "rebuild or we will seize your property?" If the mall owners feel they are doing OK financially, they aren't going to change, not because some dicatorship socialists tell them to
Optimists close their eyes and pretend problems are non existent. Better to have open eyes, see the truths, acknowledge the negatives, and speak up for the people rather than the politicos and their rich cronies.
Only an a** would make a comment like MC just made. No one is forcing anyone to do anything --- a reasonably intelligent and rational person would understand that my proposal is rather simple and straight forward -------- town leaders should be PROACTIVE and initiate conversations with the business community ... individually and collectively.
COMMUNICATIONS is the most important component in the success of any business and any governmental administration.
The next important component is FORWARD THINKING or GOAL SETTING -- PLANNING FOR SUCCESS.
George Amedore & Christian Klueg for NYS Senate 2016 Pete Vroman for State Assembly 2016[/size][/color]
"For this is what America is all about. It is the uncrossed desert and the unclimbed ridge. It is the star that is not reached and the harvest that is sleeping in the unplowed ground." Lyndon Baines Johnson
Rotterdam square should just disappear right back to the 'swamp ages' and let the 'trailblazers' turn it into a hiking destination....with a starbucks juice bar in the middle for the healthy nuts....
...you are a product of your environment, your environment is a product of your priorities, your priorities are a product of you......
The replacement of morality and conscience with law produces a deadly paradox.
STOP BEING GOOD DEMOCRATS---STOP BEING GOOD REPUBLICANS--START BEING GOOD AMERICANS
I like that idea, turn it into a lodge and motel with retaurant, large fire pit in the middle, the movie theaters....a resort for locals who want to go away without going away!!!!
JUST BECAUSE SISSY SAYS SO DOESN'T MAKE IT SO...BUT HE THINKS IT DOES!!!!! JUST BECAUSE MC1 SAYS SO DOESN'T MAKE IT SO!!!!!
Logged
Under the DEM morons the County's economic conditions have deteriorated to new lows. When you have anti-business policies soon you have no business. 109 year old Olender's closes it's doors, 2 shootings Downtown and a fire in Ham Hill all on the same day. Meanwhile the DEMS lie about job creation {which is actually down by thousands} and McCarthy plans a new EMS tax. Town Hall, City Hall and the County building all need a sweeping. A vote for any DEM is a vote to continue the County economic implosion, the horrible self dealing and full employment for incompetent lobs. 
