To whom it may concern:
My names is Brandon Gutierrez. I am the owner, operator of A Sneaker City, a small business located in the Crossgates Mall.
I would like to express my great concern over not being able to open as part of the phase 2 reopening plan outlined by Governor Cuomo.
Over the past 11-plus weeks, our businesses have done everything that was asked of us by the government. We stayed home as directed for the safety of ourselves and everyone around us. Which we understand is of the utmost importance, and we are willing to make any necessary accommodations to ensure the safety of our staff and clientele.
Honestly, we can’t stay closed any longer. Rents and insurances are due. Funding, if I received any personally which I did not, was not geared towards helping anyone long term. I’d like to understand why Walmart and Lowes can remain open and will probably see double maybe triple digit increases in profits while small businesses are closing every day because of the loss of revenue.
I strongly recommend that Gov. Andrew Cuomo allow malls to reopen as part of Phase 2. There are plenty of examples of larger crowds and bigger stores that have been opened. We need to reopen so as to regain some sort of normalcy and for the survival of our businesses.
Thank you for your consideration on the very important matter.
Sincerely,
Brandon Gutierrez
Owner/Operator
A Sneaker City
Editors note: This letter was written during Phase II when malls were still set to open in Phase IV but Gov. Andrew Cuomo has since delayed their opening indefinitely.