As the slowdowns and shutdowns of the COVID-19 era seem likely to last deep into 2021, many analysts and real estate figures see a significant and sustained drop in demand threatening the ecosystem of developments.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe clearly have a need for another stimulus,\u201d said Peter Braus, managing principal of Lee & Associates, a firm that focuses on commercial real estate. \u201cEconomists on the left and right agree there\u2019s a need for additional stimulus to recover, and it\u2019s incredibly frustrating, outrageous and unnecessary that 850,000 small businesses have closed in the country over the summer.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe area will remain desirable, due to location, but it\u2019s just not going to have enough people to keep restaurants open,\u201d Braus said.<\/p>\n
Braus said he expects an especially tough winter, as more Lower Manhattan restaurants and retail either need to cut back due to colder weather and smaller crowds, or shut down altogether.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn the summer, when restaurants started reopening, it really brought people back and made the city enticing,\u201d he said. \u201cBut losing that critical part of the recovery will have a significant impact.\u201d<\/p>\n
Downtown Manhattan\u2019s Different Sectors Feel Each Other\u2019s Pain<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n