The Slope Survey returns for its 25th installment.
Phil Chaitman is the owner of Good Footing, a shoe store located in Park Slope, that sells a curated selection of comfort and outdoor brands of shoes, boots, and sandals for men, women, and kids. He has been in retail from his early teens, initially working in the family business that his father started in the 1940’s selling clothing and sporting goods. Good Footing has been an established business on 7th Avenue for over 25 years.
What brought you to Park Slope?
When I met my wife she was living in Carroll Gardens. She convinced me to leave the frenzy of the lower east side for the beauty & safety of brownstone Brooklyn. Not an easy move for a Queens boy who always felt Brooklyn was on the other end of the planet.
What is your most memorable Park Slope moment?
The birth of my daughter was most memorable. The joy and fulfillment of parenthood is hard to beat.
Describe your community superpower.
As Treasurer of the Park Slope Chamber of Commerce I have an important role in the annul Seventh Heaven Street Fair and the installation of the Holiday Lighting.
If you could change one thing about the neighborhood, what would it be?
I would restrict the construction of hi-rise residential buildings like what is happening on 4th Avenue. This would limit population density in the area. I feel this would enhance the quality of life in the neighborhood.
What do you think Park Slope will look like in 10 years?
Hopefully the continued growth and survival of small businesses will sustain the vibrancy and livability of the neighborhood.
What are you reading, would you recommend it?
I recently finished reading The Book of Illusions, by Paul Auster. It’s about a college professor and writer who falls into a deep depression after losing his wife and two children in a plane crash. After a year of disfunction and depression his life is revived when he becomes obsessed with the story of an aspiring silent film comedian, Hector Mann who mysteriously disappeared at the height of his career. The quest to find out what happened to Mann leads him on a life changing journey of intrigue and self discovery . It’s a good summer read.
What is your greatest extravagance?
Eating dinner out too often. Exploring the ever changing Brooklyn restaurant scene is too good to resist.
If you couldn’t live in Park Slope or in Brooklyn, where would you go?
Tuscany or the south of France are pretty good choices. Can’t beat the cuisine. I also just travelled to the Pacific Northwest, Vancouver Island, BC. It has physical beauty and a surprisingly mild climate year round. I would put it on my list.
Who is your hero, real or fictional?
My dad is my hero. He immigrated to America as a three year old from Russia. He fought in the Marshall Islands in WWII. With only an 8th grade education he succeeded in business and supported his parents and family through difficult times including the depression.
Last Word, What’s is turning you on these days?
I have four grandkids and another on the way. Watching them grow is absolutely my greatest pleasure.
