Commerce BankDecember 11, 2004 Dear Fifth Avenue Merchant, We wanted to let you know of a development that we believe is detrimental to the economic vitality and quality of life of Fifth Avenue and its surrounding neighborhoods. In January, New Jersey-based Commerce Bank plans to begin construction of a new bank branch on a lot spanning approximately three-quarters of the block between 1st and Garfield. While a bank is a fine business for this location, we believe that elements of Commerce Bankís building plan will have a tangible negative impact on the neighborhood. We are hoping that you will join us in signing-on to a letter asking Commerce Bank CEO Vernon Hill to modify his building plan in three ways: 1. Do not build a "drive-thru" at this location.Commerce Bank plans to build a three-lane, drive-thru ATM at this location. Both curb-cuts will be on the avenue. Cars will enter near 1st Street, circle around the back of the building, and exit alongside La Villa restaurant. As you well know, Fifth Avenue is an important pedestrian shopping corridor. The economic vitality of the local merchants and the quality of life of the surrounding neighborhoods depends largely upon the safety and convenience of pedestrians. By increasing the amount of motor vehicle traffic detouring into the neighborhood and by encouraging vehicles to drive across the sidewalk, a drive-thru will increase traffic congestion and make the sidewalk and street a much more dangerous and unpleasant place for your neighbors and customers. Letís tell Mr. Hill that his bank business can be more successful at this location without a suburban-style drive-thru. 2. Do not erect an extra-large, suburban-style, "drive-by" sign.Commerce Bank plans to erect an enormous, glowing, plastic sign on a steel pole on the corner of 5th and 1st. See [below] for a photo. This type of signage may be appropriate for a suburban setting in which the majority of existing and potential customers drive by in cars. On this urban, pedestrian-oriented shopping street, however, it clearly is not. In addition to being aesthetically inappropriate, the large, elevated sign will create night-time light problems for nearby residents. We ask that Mr. Hill choose a sign or awning that is more in character with the neighborhood. 3. Erect a building on this large, valuable urban lot that better fits the existing context and character of Park Slope and enables a mix of uses.A representative of Park Slope Neighbors will be coming by with a petition to the bank. We hope that you will sign-on. We also hope that you might consider putting our flyer in your window and having a petition on your counter for customers to sign. We know that you are probably very busy during the holiday season but the bank is moving forward with its plans rapidly and we have no choice but to take action on this now. Again, we are emphasizing that a new bank is a fine thing to have on the avenue, but Commerce Bank should modify its cookie-cutter suburban strip-mall design to make sure that it does not endanger pedestrians, create more traffic congestion, and degrade the neighborhood aesthetically and otherwise. Commerce Bank is a very big and wealthy corporation. They will not change their plans unless they hear a strong voice from the community. As a local merchant, your voice carries much weight. We hope you will sign-on. If you have questions, please call Aaron Naparstek... Sincerely, Aaron Naparstek
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