when the lights go out

I walked around Park Slope and its surrounding areas of Carroll Gardens and Cobble Hill. I love strolling along the tree-lined streets admiring the brownstone and rowhouses, taking note of the picturesque Christmas decorations and lighting unfolding.

On the main shopping avenues, I expect to see the same. I discover storefronts decorated with colored lights, fake snow and lovely gift-giving displays. But I am also disappointed to find many storefronts and restaurants are closed, the windows advertising lease agents and realtors. There’s nothing as lonely as a vacant main street.

For more information about recent store closures, click here.