Editorial: Local businesses need university support
By Gaveliers, The Gavel Media Team, on December 7, 2009 5:48 PMTo the chagrin of movie lovers all over campus, Circle Cinema closed last year, causing students to head to Fenway for their movie nights. Many were shocked to learn that both French Press and College Sub Shop also had closed their doors when they arrived on campus this past September. In order to support the independent enterprises that are frequented by its students, Boston College needs to further its promotion of local businesses.
The two new stores that did open in Cleveland Circle this year — Chill, a frozen yogurt/ice cream shop, and Eagles Cuts and Nails, a new hair salon offering manicures and pedicures — are both new enterprises run by people who already own established businesses next door. These non-chain spots, which offer great deals and are student friendly, provide valuable services to the BC population.
For students, transportation is a major issue. Without cars or a truly efficient public transportation system, heading outside the range of the BC bus can prove to be inconvenient at best, which makes nearby businesses all the more valuable. Late night showings at distant theaters inevitably end in a taxi ride home and make the loss of places like Circle Cinema more deeply felt.
While the Eagle-One card is accepted at nearby locations — Roggie’s, City Convenience, and Eagle’s Deli, to name a few — the Eagle Bucks program should be expanded to include more local businesses. Doing so would save BC students the time and costs that come with venturing further into Boston for services and entertainment.
Boston is known for being a college town, and the local economy thrives on the influx of students that arrives each fall. By offering more options for Eagle-One spending, BC would not only encourage students to support neighborhood staples, but further a sense of community that extends beyond the campus walls.
It is therefore necessary that BC more ardently promotes the support of the small, independently-run businesses. This is vital to not only strengthen communal bonds, but to enrich the college experience in creating a welcoming environment that extends into the neighborhoods in which we live, work, and study. These nearby establishments cater to us — their student patrons — and it’s time that we more adequately returned the favor.
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5 Comments
It is not BC’s responsibility to prop up local business. If a small business cannot take advantage of 9000 undergrads it is their fault. I personally went to College Sub twice and both times my experience was awful. The service was weak and the food was mediocre. College Sub failed because it was bad. BC does not need to promote these businesses nor should it. If you want the EagleID to be accepted at more places just say it, dont mask it with this unfounded editorial.
Dear False,
You are false.
You clearly didn’t read the editorial thoroughly, because it states, “By offering more options for Eagle-One spending, BC would not only encourage students to support neighborhood staples, but further a sense of community that extends beyond the campus walls.” I think that definitely says that they “want the EagleID to be accepted at more places.”
I also fully support this editorial. There are so many great local businesses around BC that we as students should patronize more. I was a fan of College Sub and French Press–I’m extremely disappointed that these two gems have closed. Let’s not even start talking about The Circle..
Love,
True
PS It’s the “Eagle-One Card,” not the EagleID.
I’m pretty sure The College Sub Shop couldn’t stay open because it had terrible food. It did not deserve to get more business, its sandwiches sucked. I should know, I worked there.
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