I was asked by a reporter for the New York Post to say "what's missing in your neighborhood?" With help from Debbie and Jay, here's my tossed-off answer:

What's missing in Park Slope? Not much. I tell people that I could comfortably live without leaving my block (7th between Garfield and Carroll) -- I've got pizza, video store, a bakery, a great independent bookstore (The Community Bookstore), Chinese, dry cleaners, pharmacy, 3 bodegas, 2 grocery stores, and a toy store for my sons. We've lived in Park Slope since '99, and I'd say one of the great things about the neighborhood is the independent stores, like the Park Slope Food Co-Op, or Palma Pharmacy where they know my name. There's a Starbucks, but there are still lines outside Connecticut Muffin across the street.

If I could rezone, I'd probably make a few changes: Fewer mobile phone stores, fewer tchotchke shops. (It seems that there are now enough stores selling scented candles so that every man, woman, and child can get a dozen.) Also, we could use a good deli (there's nowhere to get decent matzoh ball soup) and a prepared food shop (the Blue Apron is great but a but pricey for everyday eats.) And considering that the nabe has so many families that stroller gridlock is a serious issue, it's surprising that there aren't more child care options for kids under 2, or indoor playspaces for days when Prospect Park is too cold or wet. And we've needed a new butcher since the local butcher shop closed down a few years ago.

M E-L posted this on August 25, 2003
It is filed under Community, Local News

It is also indexed with the following tags: Park Slope | New York City |