This is the first in a series of posts that will use maps, graphs, and other web visualizations to take a look at what’s happening in the neighborhood. Curious about something? Have a question about the neighborhood you’d like to see drawn out? Shoot an email, or leave a comment.
View Sunset Park Pharmacies in a larger map
Duane Reade has made its debut, and now settled into its shiny plate-glass storefront on 5th Ave. Best View in Brooklyn gives a great description of the space, and a resident’s viewpoint on how it compares in price and feel to longer term spots like Ike’s Party Party and the Mini Max.
“I wonder what’s gonna happen to all the little mom and pops,” said local Stacy Mosher, who said she has gone out of her way to shop elsewhere.
Many small local pharmacies call 5th Avenue home. It’s still too early to gauge how the little guys will fare against large New York City chain. People often assume that with a large market, Duane Reade can offer more for less, but it appears with prescriptions, big chains don’t always mean low prices.
The Sunset Park Rezoning Plan passed by the City Council in September opens the door for larger stores on several blocks of 5th Avenue, with mixed reactions from locals. Some worry that the visual character of the neighborhood will slide; others fear that the chains will push out the little guys. The plan’s supporters feel that it will pave the way to positive economic development in the area.
Stacy Mosher remains torn. “On the one hand, you think ‘Oh that means that sunset park is really coming along,’” Mosher said. “But you feel sorry for all the mom and pops that have toughed it out for all these years.”
The map pictured above, which you can access here, shows the Duane Reade in red and other local pharmacies (including the Rite Aid chain) in blue. It offers a way to track, over time, any closures in local pharmacies, as well as new ones that open.
Have any favorite pharmacies? Know some that have great deals or service? Have you found that Duane Reade provides better deals? Leave a comment. Also, feel free to note any missing pharmacies, or those no longer in business. The map is still in its Beta stage.
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