City to Push for More Small Businesses Along U.S. Route 1

The rash of College Park businesses closings and excess of vacant retail space triggered by the 2007 recession appears to be coming to an end, say city officials as reported in The Diamondback.

With the number of small businesses opening this year increasing to pre-recession levels, city officials plan efforts to push small business owners to open up more area stores, according to The Diamondback report. At the same time, the city plans to encourage residents and students to buy locally.

The plan follows the creation earlier this year of the College Park Neighborhood Business Alliance (CPNBA), a group of city officials and businesses owners joined to promote the "buy local" effort and help local small businesses in the current economic climate.

In addition to the sluggish economy, area small businesses face high rents, lack of parking and competition for student and resident foot traffic, some against big store chains.

Encourging new local businesses and promoting their success will also generate more money for the local economy, says the CPNBA.