By Nathan Duke
Atlas Park owner Damon Hemmerdinger kicked off The Atlas Solution, an initiative to boost the nation's declining economy, by handing out cash ranging from $1 to $100 bills at 71st Avenue between Austin Street and Queens Boulevard, Forest Hills' bustling shopping district.The Shops will pass out a total of $20,000 during a period of 25 days as part of the initiative, said Hemmerdinger, who handed out bills to passers-by with the assistance of Atlas Park representatives, who were dressed as the Statue of Liberty and Uncle Sam.”The Atlas Solution is really my way of showing that individuals can make a difference and that the industry I am a part of can make a difference if we join forces,” he said.Hemmerdinger called on the nation's shopping centers to take similar steps to spark the economy between now and the arrival of the federal government's economic stimulus package. He said The Atlas Initiative is designed to put an estimated $440 billion back into the economy by encouraging consumer spending.The Shops, located at 80-00 Cooper Ave. in Glendale, will also give out thousands of “I Support the Economy” stickers and offer free parking at the center through June.Some Forest Hills shoppers said they thought the giveaway was a good idea.”I'll support the economy,” said Kew Gardens resident Romi Ramkisoon, flashing her dollar. “I think it's a good idea. People will spend more. Give me money and I'll spend.”But Middle Village resident Tina Gimenez said her son, Ryan, 11, wanted to know if the money was counterfeit. He was also one of a handful of children who received the board game Monopoly during the giveaway.”I was walking by and they just gave my son a Monopoly game,” she said. “Our economy is so bad. But I'm waiting for my income tax returns before I start spending.”Some pedestrians looked skeptical and would not take money from Hemmerdinger as he passed it out on the sidewalk.Atlas Park, which opened in April 2006, is the borough's first outdoor mall. The Shops include 41 stores, including a movie theater, restaurants, high-end apparel, jewelry, gourmet food shops and accessories.The center will open a number of stores this year, including Chopin Chemists, Dance & Beyond, My Heavenly Scent, New York Sun Club Tanning, The UPS Store and Simply Fondue.Reach reporter Nathan Duke by e-mail at news@timesledger.com or by phone at 718-229-0300, Ext. 156.
