BILL NUMBER: S6626A
SPONSOR: BASKIN
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the economic development law, in relation to establish-
ing a public online registry of vacant commercial storefronts
 
PURPOSE:
This bill would create a registry program for vacant storefronts through
the Division of Small Business.
 
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:
Section 1. Amends Section 134 of the economic development law by adding
a new subdivision 13. This provision directs the Division of Small Busi-
ness, in consultation with the Secretary of State, to create and main-
tain an accessible public online registry of vacant commercial store-
fronts throughout New York State.
The registry shall include, but not be limited to:
*the address of the vacant commercial storefront;
*the contact information of the seller, leasing party, or authorized
agent for the property; and
*information regarding the property's potential usages.
The Division shall accept suggested entries from state agencies, munici-
palities, local economic development agencies, and other relevant enti-
ties. The Division shall consult with other state agencies to verify the
information and shall promulgate rules and regulations for collecting
and maintaining the requisite data. The registry must be made publicly
available within one year of the effective date of this act.
Section 2. Sets the effective date at one hundred eighty days after the
bill becomes law.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
By developing a Vacant Commercial Storefront Registry, New York State
will provide current and prospective small business owners with a valu-
able, centralized resource to easily identify opportunities to locate
their businesses. This bill will streamline the process of locating and
leasing or purchasing vacant storefronts, making it easier for small
businesses to establish themselves and thrive. In addition to support-
ing individual business growth, the registry will also help to revital-
ize New York's many commercial corridors, reduce prolonged storefront
vacancies, and mitigate urban blight.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New bill.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
Minimal.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect one hundred eighty days after it shall have
become law.

Statutes affected:
S6626: 134 economic development law
S6626A: 134 economic development law