2/20/08 - Small downtowns face challenges

Businesses are sometimes short-lived, shoppers hard to attract

Bob Ellis/staff photographer
Some of the area’s downtowns, such as McGraw’s which is shown Monday, are contending with the difficulties of remaining economically vibrant.

(As published by Cortland Standard, Christine Laubenstein reporting)

In 1990, developer Mark Henline came to McGraw, a quiet village where he could develop properties at his own pace.

He has succeeded in remodeling the interiors of 30, 34 and 36 Main St., but he hasn’t been so successful at getting business tenants to last long in his buildings, despite low rents.

“It’s a constant battle,” Henline said, noting the latest example is Forever and Always Chocolate, which folded after just a few months at 36 Main St.

While the city of Cortland often gets attention for its downtown challenges and efforts, small towns and villages such as McGraw have to work just as hard, if not harder, to retain and attract downtown businesses and shoppers.

Henline sees the problem as twofold: many businesses that come in have low cash flow or unpolished business plans, while the more savvy businesses and investors aren’t convinced the investment is worthwhile. “People have never taken the area seriously because Cortland is right there,” Henline said. He said he hopes his latest tenant, China Wok at 30 Main St., will buck the recent trend.

In Dryden, a fair number of businesses have moved from downtown to other locations in the village where they could build or rent new buildings in such areas as along Route 13.

It’s good those businesses are still around, but too bad downtown is suffering in the meantime, according to Mayor Reba Taylor. “I think a thriving downtown is always a good thing,” Taylor said, noting it provides a more personal shopping experience. Recreating a busy downtown climate might be a lost cause, Taylor said, with the current driving culture.

But things could change somewhat if downtown Dryden had better parking, or at least signs to show people where public lots are located, Taylor said. A Chamber of Commerce or business association could be talking about that and related issues, she said, but interest doesn’t seem to be there.

“I have tried on numerous occasions to get some sort of business association together,” Taylor said. “I have never had any luck. ...We’ve brought people together a few times when collecting money for Christmas (for holiday decorations) in December, but nothing seems to last more than a year or two.”

Certain business associations in small towns, including the Homer Business Association, Cincinnatus Business Association and Marathon Area Progress Association, have contributed to their respective downtowns.

The Marathon Area Progress Association, whose main goal is to provide networking opportunities, information and support to its members, has helped keep downtown Marathon businesses around town.

Businesses include a drug store, a diner, a pizza shop, a Chinese eatery, a grocery store, a convenience mart, hair places, a spa and a bank.

“We don’t have too many empty storefronts, and if they’re empty it’s by the owner’s choice,” said association President Rosemarie Fralick. “If anything we have a shortage of space.”

The challenge, in Fralick’s eyes, is bringing more shoppers downtown. Often Marathon residents shop in Binghamton and Cortland, on their way home from work or another engagement, or during a special trip.

One solution could be working with the village to get on-street parking spaces marked following the state’s upcoming reconstruction of Route 222, Fralick said.

Another answer could be advertising downtown’s benefits, said Fralick, who owns Advanced Awards at 25 Cortland St.

She said the Marathon Area Progress Association, at its March meeting, hopes to plan an upcoming print advertising campaign to highlight downtown Marathon’s offerings.

“We want to tell people this is what you can get in Marathon, especially with gasoline at $3 a gallon,” Fralick said. “You don’t have to get something in Cortland; you can save time and money by shopping in Marathon.”

The village of Homer has been able to boost its foot traffic downtown through various downtown events, including its annual WinterFest, where businesses stay open until 8 p.m. Friday, and until 5 p.m. Saturday, and special tourism initiatives.

“You’ve got the theater out in Little York that draws people,” said Rob Garrison, manager at Homer Men and Boys’ Store. “They bring tours through and funnel folks downtown to Homer.”
Ads in various Cortland County brochures and people spreading the word about downtown Homer’s unique shops, including Bev & Co. and Main Street Antiques, have also helped, Garrison said.

He said significant foot traffic has contributed to downtowns stability, with longtime businesses continuing to thrive and filled storefronts. “Since I’ve been here, for the last 15 downtown years, downtown has been pretty stable,” Garrison said. “Most of the businesses have been in business quite a few years and have loyalty.”

Cincinnatus Supervisor Dale Betts said he wished Cincinnatus had a Homer Men and Boys’-type store, a pharmacy or some other addition to its downtown. While the businesses there, including True Value, Cincinnatus Market Place and Magros Italian Pizza, are thriving, choices are definitely lacking.

“We would love to have more business in town, but the town budget and trying to keep taxes as reasonable as possible doesn’t permit us to be out there doing a major campaign and bringing businesses in,” he said.

Bates said he hopes the Cincinnatus Business Association can succeed in its goal of trying to improve the areas quality of life, which could in turn improve the business climate. Also, high gas prices could improve the market for new businesses, he said.

“That may bring a revitalization to commercial marketing in small communities,” Betts said. “We’ve heard that there’s some stores, like the family dollars stores, are interested in moving into small communities. That may happen.”