Citations being issued on Clematis Street
Alanna Quillen
Aug 7, 2017
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – The arts and entertainment district of West Palm Beach is no stranger to businesses coming and going.
“Empty storefronts,” said Murphy as he points to a building on the 300 block of Clematis. “Looks empty inside. Not good for business.”
But some don’t agree with the rules. Rebel Cook, owner of Rebel Cook Real Estate, is a real estate broker who represents a property owner that got a citation on the 500 block of Clematis Street. She is working with the city now to address the issue.
She shared her thoughts on the regulation and how it impacts businesses.
“Let’s put little pretty posters in the windows so you don’t see the buildings are empty — people aren’t naive,” she said.
From a commercial standpoint, she says potential clients can’t easily shop around.
“Many times, people will come to an area, drive around, look into a window and decide, ‘Oh, that might fit my needs,'” she said.
And she says covering up the windows can pose safety concerns for real estate agents.
“Over the years, we’re had problems with vagrants,” she said. “I’m walking into a vacant building — and if I can’t see what’s inside, there’s an element of uncertainty that goes along with that.”
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