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Tough Choices in Pleasantville, NY

Posted by: Rebecca Sanborn Stone

16 February 2010 - 5:00am

Pleasantville, NY may be affluent and amenity-rich, but it isn't immune to the economic downturn. Now some suggest the town should sacrifice character for economic opportunity.

Pleasantville has long been known for its shaded sidewalks and the mom-and-pop stores lining Main Street. But the recession has brought on empty storefronts, an influx of chain stores, and increasing budget woes for the small suburban village.

Citizens have typically objected to big box retail and other new development that could potentially change the small town character they love, but the mayor and some residents feel it's time to take a hard look at economic development opportunities - even if they do mean change.

Full Story: They’d Like to Keep It That Way
Source: New York Times, February 8, 2010
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The decision to abandon a property is a symptom of the loss of confidence. And while abandonment certainly affects confidence among surrounding homeowners, the most important question to answer is not "how do we deal with abandoned properties?" but "what is the most cost-effective way to restore market confidence, and how do abandoned properties fit into that picture?"
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