With a great deal of discussion concerning the reshaping of our streets there seems little attention to the storefronts these streets will pass. Where is the concern for all the storefronts that remain empty for years? How is it possible to own a storefront that remains empty for indefinite lengths of time? Which tax laws allow building owners to keep their spaces empty while they wait for months or years for someone who will pay an ungodly amount of rent, too often afforded only by national chain businesses, for these spaces? Why is their no apparent significant financial cost for this warehousing? What tax breaks are given to these landlords?
Too many stores have closed due to box stores and internet businesses that have made staying in business much more difficult. And so, I may ask, why are rents so expensive? Starting a business at this time is not an easy task. And yet holding a business space vacant for indefinite periods of time seems to be easily affordable for landlords waiting around for someone who will pay the extravagant cost of one of these spaces along desirable soon to be redesigned Northampton streets.
Barry De Jasu
Montague