There is a particular kind of heartbreak to living in New York City—and, I suppose, other large metropolises: You could lose your favorite bookstore, cafe or bike shop. It might’ve been in the same location since your parents were born but it could close for any number of reasons, more than a few of which have to do with real estate markets.
I haven’t been in Albany in a while, so I don’t know whether the forces of capitalism and pure-and-simple change are as powerful as they are in my hometown. But I’m happy to know that at least one of the town might get some help in ensuring that it can continue to serve its community.
The Downtube Bicycle Works and Cafe the capital of the Empire State since 1972. That has just made them one of the first inductees into the New York State Historic Business Preservation
The State’s Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation launched the NYSHBP earlier this year to “honor and promote businesses that have been in operation for at least 50 years and have contributed to their communities’ history . It is an “honorary program” which “provides educational and promotional assistance” to help ensure that businesses like Downtube “remain viable.”
After Harris Cylery in Newton, Massachusetts closed its doors last year, it’s hard to believe that any bike shop is safe. But at least one can hope that the NYSHBP can help businesses like Downtube—and some other bike shops, cafes and bookstores I love—to stay open. Oh, if they had only been available for Gotham Book Mart.
