In response to ongoing G train closures due to essential signal system upgrades, Greenpoint small businesses have initiated a coordinated effort to keep commerce flowing. The neighborhood's campaign, "Look Local First," encourages residents to patron local establishments during the transit service interruptions that are set to persist through mid-August, as was reported by PIX11.
Facing weekend shutdowns and select weeknights of the G train, businesses in the area are feeling the strain. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has provided shuttle bus service, attempting to ease the commuter tension by stopping at all stations affected by the service suspensions. "It affects me and other people a lot because sometimes people have to travel to different places that they can’t get to walking," Daniel Carrero told PIX11. The shutdowns have been problematic, especially since many non-residents visit the neighborhood, which has impacted their ability to easily access local shops.
The "Look Local First" initiative is led by Perri Salka, owner of The WonderMart, who has witnessed the direct impact on businesses firsthand when such closures took place last summer. "It was a big impact," Salka mentioned in an interview with PIX11. With Councilmember Lincoln Restler advocating for the campaign, local officials are throwing their weight behind the effort to support neighborhood economies during these challenging times. Restler emphasized the importance of the G train to the community, stating it's the primary in and out of Greenpoint for many.
Also reported by Greenpointers, the community-driven program, Shop Small Greenpoint, has been instrumental in promoting the campaign by putting up "Look Local First" flyers and providing a map of small businesses in the area. While acknowledging the neighborhood's "incredible ecosystem of businesses and attractions," Assemblymember Emily Gallagher took to Instagram to express her support. Council Member Restler also praised the campaign's efforts: "I’m grateful to Perri at Shop Small Greenpoint for their work in championing beloved local restaurants and shops. Look Local First when the G train is down and beyond!"
Greenpoint residents looking to navigate the shutdown periods can refer to the MTA website or app for timely updates. The aim of this collaborative local campaign is to ensure that, even as the G train undergoes modernization, the business district remains robust and Greenpoint's community life continues relatively uninterrupted.
