Second Story Looks to Stay Put

Second Story Book Shop in Chappaqua, New York, is in the middle of a wrangle to stay in its current location. The 32-year-old bookstore is on a month-to-month lease and ownership of their building recently changed. The new landlord is considering renting to a new tenant, while the neighborhood is working to keep the bookstore. Currently, the bookstore is in "limbo," said owner Joan Ripley.

Ripley, who was ABA President from 1980 to 1982, said that her problems began when the landlord, who bought the building in the fall, told her in November that he'd be doubling her rent in January. Dealing with the hectic holiday business and caring for a critically ill family member, Ripley made her decision that the new rate was too high. When she realized that she would like to stay, the landlord had already found a law firm that was interested in the space. If the law firm doesn't rent it, there is a possibility Second Story will stay.

Ripley said the current landlord believed that he wasn't getting market rate for the property, but she stated that the previous owner, a "wonderful" landlord, had charged Second Story less than market rate because the location had terrible problems with flooding. Ripley told BTW, "We had six floods in 16 years. One cost us $35,000. Every time there are talks of heavy rains we have to take all the books off the shelves. It's a big job. Market rate for this property without flooding is very different from market rate with the flooding."

Meanwhile, customers are expressing their support for Second Story; 750 signed a petition to save the neighborhood independent bookstore. They've pledged to buy enough books to help Second Story afford the increased rent if they stay. In addition, a "major corporation" is acting as an angel, said Ripley, and will help the bookstore with managing the rent. The Chamber of Commerce, looking to keep retail stores in Chappaqua, has also become involved in the process to keep them in their current location. Ripley said that there aren't any other suitable spaces for them to move to within the town.

Ripley does not yet have a "Plan B." Her immediate strategy is to go to Florida as scheduled for her annual vacation there. "I need it," she said. -- Karen Schechner