Does Brooklyn Suffer From a Lack of Gas Stations? The Chamber of Commerce Thinks So

For the center of the hipster universe, the Brooklyn Chamber's recommendations may come as a surprise.

2 minute read

November 1, 2015, 9:00 AM PST

By Emily Calhoun


Ikea in Brooklyn

Nightscream / Red Hook Idea

According to Erik Engquist of Crain's New York, the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce has just released a new study claiming that the borough is missing out on $6 billion of retail opportunities.

"Business leaders in Brooklyn have long suspected that local shoppers were spending lots of their dollars elsewhere. Now they have numbers that not only prove it, but reveal the most gaping holes in the borough's retail landscape," writes Engquist.

Despite the fact that only 44 percent of Brooklynites own a car, the Chamber apparently laments the dearth of auto parts and repair shops, dealerships, and gas stations, claiming that the missed retail opportunities amount to $2.6 billion for dealerships and $1.3 billion for gas stations.

Chamber President and CEO Carlo Scissura also points to the food deserts that exist in some of the borough's neighborhoods as well as the lack of general merchandise stores. He wants the city to do more to encourage big-box retailers to move in by rezoning for larger establishments. Referring to Target, he said, "I'd love to see another five of them open up across Brooklyn."

Although the Chamber has capitalized on the appeal of Brooklyn's independent spirit with it's "Made in Brooklyn" certification program, Engquist's report on the study indicates that the Chamber believes there is an unmet demand for the conveniences of suburban-style chain retailers. "Some of Brooklyn's lost sales stem not from a dearth of retail but from more pleasant and lower-priced stores and supermarkets in the suburbs," writes Engquist.

Wednesday, October 28, 2015 in Crains New York Business

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Aerial view of town of Wailuku in Maui, Hawaii with mountains in background against cloudy sunset sky.

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly

Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

July 1, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

July 9, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Map of Haussmann's redesign of Paris in the 1850s through 1870s under Napoleon III.

In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking

Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?

June 30, 2025 - Tom Sanchez

Red and white "Wildfire Evacuation Route" sign on signpost.

Cal Fire Chatbot Fails to Answer Basic Questions

An AI chatbot designed to provide information about wildfires can’t answer questions about evacuation orders, among other problems.

July 10 - The Markup

Protester at Echo Park Lake, Los Angeles holding sign that says "Housing is a human right"

What Happens if Trump Kills Section 8?

The Trump admin aims to slash federal rental aid by nearly half and shift distribution to states. Experts warn this could spike homelessness and destabilize communities nationwide.

July 10 - Shelterforce Magazine

Aerial of rainbow painted crosswalks at large intersection in Castro District, Sna Francisco, California.

Sean Duffy Targets Rainbow Crosswalks in Road Safety Efforts

Despite evidence that colorful crosswalks actually improve intersection safety — and the lack of almost any crosswalks at all on the nation’s most dangerous arterial roads — U.S. Transportation Secretary Duffy is calling on states to remove them.

July 10 - Streetsblog USA

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.

Home and Land Services Coordinator

Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners

Associate/Senior Planner

Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development

Senior Planner

Heyer Gruel & Associates PA