Category Archives: Under the Radar: Feature Stories

In low-key community, an illusory increase in people

Fresh Meadows, a neighborhood in Queens, has had a population increase in recent years – an increase that won’t show up in the 2010 Census. Households with school-age children feel the change through the increased enrollment in the neighborhood elementary … Continue reading

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Here Today, Gone Tomorrow

About once a week, my apartment is filled with the sounds of excited laughter, high-pitched squeals, and endless chatter.  The explanation to an outsider would be simple – I live near a playground, right? Wrong.  Amidst the sea of identical … Continue reading

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Gas Media

At first glance this small storefront stirs up confusion. Just three months ago this was a vacant building. As proof of its youth, there are no bold letters reading ‘Gas Media’ above the store, just temporary sticker letters in the … Continue reading

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Minas the Magician

Minas the Magician     Entering Minas Shoe repair, I am immediately overcome by the effervescent aroma of shoe polish and wet leather; the smell of the trodden boots my grandfather insists on never throwing away wafts past my shoulder … Continue reading

Posted in Bernstein Spring 2009, Financial District, Uncategorized, Under the Radar: Feature Stories | 1 Comment

The Face Behind Costume Jewelry

Jewelry is a woman’s best friend. Diamonds, gems, and sapphires, what more can women ask for. However, in reality this is not what most women can afford. Instead, they turn to costume jewelry. Necklaces, bracelets, rings, and pins are sold … Continue reading

Posted in Bernstein Spring 2009, Chinatown, Under the Radar: Feature Stories | 2 Comments

The Same Conquest for “La Nueva Conquista”

236 Lafayette St. New York, NY, is home to a restaurant that by the looks of its exterior is not too welcoming. “Don’t judge a book by its cover” is the most appropriate phrase that can be said about one … Continue reading

Posted in Bernstein Spring 2009, SoHo, Under the Radar: Feature Stories | Tagged | 2 Comments

Nail tips still a priority in recession times

At 8:30 p.m. on a Wednesday evening, four women are filling a few of the mostly empty chairs at CoCo’s Nail and Spa on Jamaica Avenue in Woodhaven, Queens. A young Asian woman is quietly staring around at the bright … Continue reading

Posted in Bernstein Spring 2009, Queens, Under the Radar: Feature Stories | 4 Comments

Harlem Barber Shop Takes a Step Up, as Economy Falls

The current decline in the economy has clothing boutiques, shoe repair shops, and “mom and pops’ ” restaurants below water.  However, at one Harlem barber shop, A Step Above, owner Sharron Corley is still cutting hair at the same rate … Continue reading

Posted in Bernstein Spring 2009, Under the Radar: Feature Stories | 20 Comments

Keeping It In The Family

Unfortunately, history tells us that family-owned businesses have some challenges ahead.  According to The Economist, about 70 percent of family-owned businesses in the United States never make it to the second generation.  And 90 percent do not survive until the … Continue reading

Posted in Astoria, Bernstein Spring 2009, Under the Radar: Feature Stories | 2 Comments

Sugar Cafe stays sweet in bitter economy

Sugar Cafe is managing to stay sweet during the economic downturn that is leaving a bitter taste in the mouths of most New Yorkers. Standing on the intersection of 1st Avenue and Houston Street, Sugar Cafe, known to many as … Continue reading

Posted in Bernstein Spring 2009, East Village, Uncategorized, Under the Radar: Feature Stories | 1 Comment

If It Ain’t Brokered, Don’t Fix It

Khashi Eyn answers a phone call by the window of his 30 Wall Street office, standing eleven stories above throngs of tourists and money-men. A flower in the lapel of his pinstripe suit stands stiffly below his permanent five-o’clock shadow and slicked-back … Continue reading

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A Cupcake A Day Keeps The Recession Away

Two beat-up wooden benches are stationed in front of five glass doors. One of the doors has a red outline of a heart which reads, “Sugar Sweet Sunshine.”  Inside, the wooden floor and green recliner, with its torn fabric on … Continue reading

Posted in Bernstein Spring 2009, Lower East Side, Under the Radar: Feature Stories | Comments Off on A Cupcake A Day Keeps The Recession Away

Failing Business, It’s a Grind

Failing Businesses, It’s a Grind. Every morning, at 6a.m. the smell of fresh coffee, and pastries fills the air, and the faint sound of soft jazz can be heard, along with indistinct chatting. On a busy corner in Long Island … Continue reading

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A Treasure Chest in Brooklyn

Shiny glass cases enclose gold, silver and platinum necklaces, rings and bracelets in an established Brooklyn jewelry store new to Mill Basin. Seaview Jewelers opened 47 years ago in Canarsie, a neighboring community, and in January it relocated to Avenue … Continue reading

Posted in Bernstein Spring 2009, Brooklyn, Mill Basin, Under the Radar: Feature Stories | 1 Comment

Nuyorican Poet’s Café Thrives On

Photo: Forgotton-Ny.com I push my way past a heavy blue curtain. I see an overweight black man standing at a mic under dim lights in a large windowless room. There are people around. They are hanging on every single word … Continue reading

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