Hamburg, NY (WBEN) - The Hamburg Town Board introduced the idea of a moratorium on new commercial spaces unless there is tenant signed to a lease and ready to go.
Hamburg Town Supervisor Jim Shaw told WBEN he feels there's a real need for something to be done about the growing number of retail space vacancies.
"As times have changed and shopping patterns have changed, we find that many of these retail outlets can not support their expense structure," Shaw said. "The vacancy rates have skyrocketed, and as a result of that, the value of these shopping plazas have plummeted."
Shaw believes there's support for the idea throughout Hamburg, mainly because it would still allow new construction, as long as it is clear and in writing who will occupy the space.