filed under Activism
Granoffs poop on the little guy (again)
10:51AM ON
05/31/2008
BY
Dave Segal
The Arcade’s Christmastime decorations and hustle-bustle helped grow my early love of Providence — the perfect intersection of 34th St and Bedford Falls. The building could certainly use an upgrade, and has been intentionally allowed to atrophy over the last few years. But this is a travesty:
“It was losing money hand over fist,” Granoff said, claiming losses of $10,000 a month. “The goal has been to get an anchor tenant in there.”
The remaining businesses learned of their ejection yesterday from media reports. Shock resonated through the Arcade’s three stories.
“There’s been people crying in here all day,” said Don Beohner, who has owned the jewelry store Copacetic in the Arcade since the 1980s.
“Everybody’s shocked that we’ve only been given 30 days notice. How does anyone move a business in 30 days?” he said. “It’s just really sad. This is where I’ve been for 23 years.”
It’s a travesty — but it’s not a surprise to those of us who’ve had occasion to follow the business practices of Granoff Associates. I became starkly aware of their shenanigans circa 2005, as SEIU organized hard-working, low-wage janitors across downtown. The Granoffs were among the most obstinate in their insistence upon contracting with firms that paid next to nothing, and were the targets of protests and fasts. (We actually got a restraining order against the Providence Police, who were attempting to force peaceful, fasting protesters from the 12-foot wide sidewalk adjacent to Granoff Assoc’s Turk’s Head building.)
And they didn’t relent — even after their contractor illegally threatened to fire employees who spoke to the union, and physically attacked one of them.
So, best of luck to those who occupy the Arcade, and please let me know if I can be of any help.
May 31st, 2008 at 6:38PM
boliyou Says:
This is a terrible shame. I really feel for the business owners. I’m planning to move back to RI (after 25 years) this coming month. I guess my first stop will be the Arcade.
[Reply]