Monday, February 8, 2010

Stuy Town neighbors rallying to save a bank branch

At the HSBC branch on First Avenue just past 14th Street... you know, the location that has that seemingly-out-of-place suburban look and feel....



...with the clock that reminds you that you're late for work (again)...



...some HSBC account holders are unhappy that this branch is slated for closure...and moving to the former Bald Fat Chocolate Man location on Second Avenue and Ninth Street...



HSBC users are asking people to write their elected officials...

[And thanks to the Graffiti Friend of EV Grieve (GFOEVG) for this tip]

6 comments:

elkue said...

Is that where K's used to be?

elkue said...

subscribed

Mike said...

It was annoying enough having to walk to 1st Ave for my nearest HSBC. I never thought I'd say this but I wish they would open one in Alphabet City.

Jill said...

What I don't understand is how politicians have a say in where a bank branch lives. This place has been a bank forever, and I've been banking here since 1992. Despite the changes over the years in ownership (last one was Marine Midland), the staff hasn't changed much.

Steve said...

Yes, this space has held a bank branch "forever" (since at least 1977 when I moved to the neighborhood). But c'mon, in those days there were no banks at all east of 2nd Ave between 14th & Houston so this and the bank at St. Marks & 2nd were the only ones in the area. But now, with the E. Village lousy with banks and 2 banks only steps away from this, I just don't see this as any sort of loss at all. I only fear what might move in, but how much worse can it be than a bank?

Anonymous said...

Actually Steve, it's been a bank branch since at least the early 1950's. It was home to a branch of The Union Square Savings Bank for many years until our nation started playing "bank roulette" and it's probably changed hands about 5 times since the 70's.

It still serves as a primary bank branch for many of the senior citizens in that neighborhood and has the distinction of being one of the few banks that has a safe deposit vault. It's loss will be significant to the neighborhood and I fear that it's going to be replaced with yet another condo.