Does Mamdani mean business, New York's small businesses wonder?

"Ronny Jaramillo and Dana Morrissey own and operate a handful of small restaurants across south and central Brooklyn among them Chela, a Mexican restaurant, and Bar Chuzo, a Latin bistro and cocktail bar. But in recent years, they have faced mounting hurdles amid surging rents and floods. They are watching the mayoral election closely because they feel New York City is becoming a harder environment for small businesses like theirs."

"His proposals for small businesses aim to ease financial strain by cutting fines and fees, but many still face steep rents, limited relief, and climate-related risks that routinely disrupt operations. Much of the interest in Mamdani's candidacy stems from his focus on affordability. His campaign prioritises a rent freeze for rent-stabilised apartments and expanding housing development to ease the city's shortage, for instance."

Ronny Jaramillo and Dana Morrissey operate multiple Brooklyn restaurants, including Chela and Bar Chuzo, and are confronting surging commercial rents, flooding, and operational disruptions. Small business owners are closely monitoring the New York City mayoral race and proposals from likely next mayor Zohran Mamdani and opponent Andrew Cuomo. Mamdani proposes cutting fines and fees and prioritises affordability measures such as a rent freeze for rent-stabilised apartments and expanded housing development. Commercial tenants, however, face few protections against steep rent increases, limited relief, and climate-related risks, leaving many businesses vulnerable to closure and displacement.

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