HBA chief: Spiraling rents are biz's big...

HBA chief: Spiraling rents are biz's big...

Ken Goldfield for Daily News

Nectar, a wine bar that opened in 2008 on Fredrick Douglas Blvd and recently closed, is the latest example of the perilous conditions that can undermine small business owners. A 2009 study conducted by the Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce found that nearly 40% of Harlem businesses closed down in a one-year span.

Harlem small businesses are desperately in need of assistance, said the executive director of the Harlem Business Alliance.

Regina Smith said shes seen more than a dozen area small businesses close up over the last year.

Its the rent, she said, noting that many Harlem businesses have seen their rent skyrocket in some cases, doubling forcing many long-time shops to close.

The latest example is Lenox Lounge. The owner, Al Reed, told the Daily News his rent is jumping from $ 10,000 to $ 20,000 a month and he cant afford it. At the end of June, the Harlem fixture could close for good.

I hate to see him lose it, said Smith, who grew up in the St. Nicholas Houses and still lives in Harlem.

She said black-owned businesses are also becoming a rarity in Harlem, with many businesses hanging on by their fingertips.

Rents are too high, and theyre not coming down, she said, adding theres a greater opportunity in launching an online business.

Smith said theres not much that can be done to help businesses when their rent jumps.

HBA has asked the city for help, but up to now nothing has been done.

Smith said HBA has been working with small-business owners, referring them to nonprofits that offer more affordable rental properties.

West Harlem Group Assistance, Abyssinian Development Corp. and Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement are among the nonprofits HBA works closely with, she said.

As for the landlords who have hiked up the rents, Smith said: They really dont have the communitys best interest a t heart.