By Amanda Li, B.A., Junior Policy Associate
In September 2016, Promoting Prevention published a blog post about the closing of City Fresh, a local supermarket in East Harlem. Just a few weeks later, Promoting Prevention published yet another blog post that touched upon the widespread closing of supermarkets throughout New York City. By providing access to fresh, affordable produce, supermarkets play such an important role in preventing chronic disease and promoting community health. Therefore, the closing of supermarkets throughout our New York communities is an issue that Promoting Prevention takes very seriously.
This is why Promoting Prevention sees potential in Local Law Int 1472-2017: Exempting certain grocery stores from the commercial rent tax. This bill, sponsored by Corey D. Johnson, Margaret S. Chin, and Stephen T. Levin, would grant commercial rent tax exemptions to affordable supermarkets. According to Manhattan Borough President, Gale Brewer, the city’s commercial rent tax “puts an unfair, regressive burden on businesses in some of the city’s most expensive neighborhoods, where there is immense upward pressure on commercial storefront rents.” Under this bill, grocery stores that are affordable, accept SNAP benefits, and have retail space totaling over 3,500 square feet, would be eligible for a commercial rent tax exemption. Moreover, this bill requires that at least 500 square feet of retail space be dedicated exclusively to selling fresh produce. This bill not only prevents more grocery stores from closing down, but it would also encourage healthier retail practices.
Promoting the accessibility and affordability of fresh, healthy produce is very important to Promoting Prevention. We support this bill and look forward to seeing where it will take us.