CHEEKTOWAGA, N.Y. (WBEN)- – New York State Assemblywoman Monica Wallace called on Governor Andrew Cuomo to reopen malls as part of the third phase of the economic reopening plan, which began Tuesday in the Western New York region.
Wallace stood outside Walden Galleria with owners of mall stores that were previously eligible to reopen but could not because the state has not allowed malls to open their doors to the public.
“The Walden Galleria is a significant tax driver for our community,” Wallace said. “Especially the Town of Cheektowaga. Last year, the Walden Galleria contributed $45 million in taxes: State, local, school taxes to our local economy. It is a huge tax driver, employing over 4,200 people and paying more than $60 million in payroll taxes among the various taxes.”
Assemblywoman @MonicaPWallace is outside the Walden Galleria this morning, calling for Governor Cuomo to open malls as part of phase three. She argues that they’re huge tax drivers and employ thousands of people.Wallace said it can open responsibly and deserve the opportunity. pic.twitter.com/aJYqTClzx1
— WBEN NewsRadio 930AM (@NewsRadio930)
June 16, 2020 Some businesses at malls are eligible to reopen but only if there is an exit and entrance to the outside of the mall. Most businesses inside a mall do not have this option.
“We need to survive,” Marlene Gigliotti, owner of Euphoria Salon, said. “We need to get these doors open so we can get through this together. Our guests are waiting for us and we are so ready for them.
