Pleasantville, NY may be affluent and amenity-rich, but it isn't immune to the economic downturn. Now some suggest the town should sacrifice character for economic opportunity.
Pleasantville has long been known for its shaded sidewalks and the mom-and-pop stores lining Main Street. But the recession has brought on empty storefronts, an influx of chain stores, and increasing budget woes for the small suburban village.
Citizens have typically objected to big box retail and other new development that could potentially change the small town character they love, but the mayor and some residents feel it's time to take a hard look at economic development opportunities - even if they do mean change.
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UCLA Lewis Center for Regional Policy Studies
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
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City of Piedmont, CA
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research