A typical old 1800's style general store or a primitive craft shop. In either case the store/shop front facade in keeping with the period and remniscent of some of the old pictures of Bloomingdale.

If there is enough room after the building is razed, a parking lot would probably benefit the town more than anything else.

Parking has, and always will be an issue on that corner. But I'd like to see a book store - this area is sadly in need of one.

It will always be LaSala's Confectionery "We have everything" to myself and a lot of other people who have been around this area for many decades. The problem is parking, rather lack of it.

Its a sad state of affairs when there are enough empty stores to make this newspaper game even feasable! We are now making a weekly feature on what we would like to see in empty store fronts???? Maybe the Patch needs something more to fill their time, jeesh

Well, last week, I gave a long list of what I'd like to see in the storefronts in Butler and Bloomingdale. Another small business owner commented that the days of downtown America are over and that bookstores, candystores, bakeries, craftstores and the like can't turn a profit when you take into consideration the cost of rent, taxes and ins. So, can someone tell me what types of business can turn a profit? Apparently the types of stores we want to see aren't feasible. If that's the case then perhaps what we need are more small; non-retail; businesses that would at least bring jobs into the area. Then maybe there would be more foot traffic and businesses such as bakery's bookstores and candyshops could turn a profit. The bigger question, however........who on the council of either Bloomingdale or Butler is actively trying to attract business?

Parking is not as much of an issue as everyone makes it out to be. I used to regularly get pizza from Abbie's and never minded parking down the street. I've also parked down the street and around the corner to go to the antique shop. I often have to park around the corner on Arch St. to go to AJ's. How is parking down the street any different than parking at the back of the lot at a crowded Abblebee's?

One thing that could be done to attract businesses is Butler Power & Light's much lower electric rates compared to JCP&L, PSE&G, ConEdison's Orange & Rockland, etc. Butler being a municipally owned public power utility gets a share of the federally sponsored Niagara / St Lawrence hydro electric public power project.

I think it is terrific that Patch has started this conversation. I don't have a solution for parking but entertainment for kids is a big industry. Is there room there for a roller rink or a gymboree or a studio for music classes?
Susan

I would love to see a coffe shop or a Starbuck's go either there, or by the bank that closed on the corner of Union/Main Street. I love Starbuck's ambiance, with their big comfy chairs and different seating they offer, it's just very relaxing. Even with the lack of parking, I think they would get a lot of business, from people in the area who would walk there.

we need a hobby shop there to keep the kids off main st

I would like to see a good quality bakery or cofee shop too, but parking IS a problem for any business like that to make it. Getting in and out of that kind of store would be dangerous with the amount of traffic at that intersection.

I think a starbucks would be great, but better off by rita's and subway.

I for one am very happy you started tis conversation. It's so sad to see the building looking so shabby. It's great to get everyone's ideas. When I win the lottery (the really big one), I'll tear the building down (it's really small, 6,000 sq. ft.) and make a park with outdoor tables for the Starbucks next to the pub restaurant by the book store and hobby shop. Wouldn't Main St. look great? And we'll all park.......

im sorry, you're probably right, the conversation is probably good, but it kinda made me a little sad too that all these stores are empty. It is really a shame.