Skyview caters only to Jewish shoppers

To the editor:

Last week’s editorial about supporting local stores is, in general, a great idea and I personally try to support Riverdale merchants as much as possible, with one exception: the Skyview shopping center.

Can you point out one instance where any of the stores or restaurants in the Skyview shopping center, and I am taking these examples directly from your editorial, that have:

Remained upbeat?

Been spruced up or expanded?

Decorated their storefronts for the Christmas season?

Taxed themselves in order to create a business improvement district?

Has merchandise that one could describe as “sought-after gifts”?

No. No. No. No. No.

In addition, compare the menu at the Skyview Dunkin Donuts to any other Dunkin Donuts on this planet, and you will note discrepancies in what is offered. In fact, every food merchant in the Skyview shopping center intentionally limits what they offer for sale.

Why can’t I get a sausage and egg sandwich at Dunkin Donuts?

Why can’t I get a sandwich with roast beef and American cheese at the delicatessen?

Everyone should shop locally, but when local shops continue to make it clear they will not try to satisfy the entire community, they do not deserve to be patronized by anyone.

Shoplocally in Riverdale, but boycott the Skyview shopping center. It is the only way to perhaps one day get stores whose management cares about the entire community.

MICHAEL O’BRIEN

This is part of the December 11, 2008 online edition of The Riverdale Press.

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