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Bookstores Fill Downtown Gap
Glens Falls' unofficial "Sixth Neighborhood" (a.k.a. downtown) will soon be home to two bookstores: The Dog Ate My Homework will locate at 206 Glen Street and Red Fox Books is moving into 28 Ridge, currently under renovation. "When Mike and Kimberly Smith (Dog Ate My Homework)) approached city officials about opening a retail store, a bookstore was recommended, along with a number of other retail gaps we have identified," explained Todd Feigenbaum, Special Assistant to the Mayor for Economic Development, City of Glens Falls. "Soon after, we heard Nattali Rottenstreich and Susan Fox were also interested in opening a bookstore, so we orchestrated a meeting between the two and they worked out the idea that one would specialize in the children's market."

As the lead economic development officer for the City, Feigenbaum frequently fields inquiries and also links people to resources. "We are often approached by people asking two questions," he explained. "The first is what kind of business is needed here, and the second is can the City help with financing.

"There are a number of real city services we need downtown, such as a good news stand where you could buy the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal, for example. We could also use a place for good food fast, where busy office workers can grab a bite and get back to their desks in less than half an hour - any entrepreneur that thinks in terms of providing a big-city amenity that we're currently missing will likely do well.

"As for financing, there's no free ride," continued Feigenbaum. "What does exist are low-interest loans, such as micro loans under $10,000 and larger loans through state agencies where job creation is a key element." In addition, City officials like Feigenbaum with his years of experience and commitment to revitalization, are a great fountain of information on what's needed to get started doing business locally.

Feigenbaum sees the two bookstores as another sign of the economic progress the City of Glens Falls has made. "We are at the tipping point … there are a number of developers that just love Glens Falls, love what we're doing here," he said. "Our commitment to solving the traffic problem at the five-way intersection demonstrates that we are willing to take the measures necessary to support the next wave of economic development."