As we've reported, there's been a storefront shuffle along this retail stretch. Kapri Cleaners and the FedEx Office Print & Ship Center moved from the unrenovated spaces to new storefronts closer to the entrance to the 13-story residential building at No. 250. Other businesses, including the Dunkin'/Baskin-Robbins and China Town, have closed.
The old retail section of this strip is apparently coming down to make way for an unspecified new development.
A letter from the owner of the shuttered (as of Aug. 30) Subway sandwich shop provides another clue. EVG contributor Stacie Joy spotted this on the storefront (click on the image for more detail) ... 
Per the letter: "I am saddened to inform you that since the Ownership of this Property has decided to construct a multistory building, they will not be able to renew [the] lease for my Subway Store."
The family-owned franchise had been here for more than 20 years. Per the letter, the owner said that he hopes to find a new location for his Subway.
Meanwhile, still nothing on file with the city just yet about a demolition or new building permits.
14 comments:
The destruction of the LES continues with the blessings of those legislators who were elected to protect our neighborhood.
9:01am, you're seriously lamenting a single story strip of largely national retail? If we want NYC housing prices to not continue shooting up properties like this are the EXACT ones that need development.
Many moons ago, their used to be a Blockbuster in that little strip mall.
Gotta agree with Neighbor over there... That strip of buildings there have never been "beautiful", historic, or anything other than a convenient place for businesses to operate... however, it was always pretty damn ugly imo.
I'm not going to get sad about it getting demolished. The only downside (which is a big one) is that we're losing retail space for small businesses. But it's looked pretty damn beat up over the last bunch of years.
Those that believe the "city" will have any restrictions of the type of housing which will ultimately be built here and that this strip had zero value I can assure you a luxury tower will be built here. The marketing material will spew the usual "heart of the artsy East Village with small shops, great restaurants, and bohemian lifestyle still is dominant". The reality, a generic, low quality building without even a "poor door" for a tax break. Get ready for Bloomberg 3.0 when the "scare them all to get elected" Mayor Adams in charge.
There will always be those commenters on this blog waiting for real estate posts, free car parking posts, addition bar/liquor license posts, etc. Really should be a drinking game. Pun intended.
bingo.
@12:57 PM
Glad we could all accommodate you.
The whole neighborhood looks pretty beaten up over the past few year with no sign of stopping vandalism is always on the rise here in the East village neighborhood
I don't know if they can build a multistory building on this site. Didn't they use the airrights from the single story buildings to be able to build the taller residential building? where can we find that informaiton?
Man i miss Blimpies!
Affordable Housing for long term tenants! less transient housing please
agree 100 with those who pointed out housing is better use than strip mall of national stores
Sorry for the Subway owner keeping any business going for 20 years is a triumph! there's a lot of empty storefronts in the hood these days so hopefully you'll be able to relocate with not a lot of hassle
They'll buy air rights from elsewhere and transfer them to the site
this subway is my favorite. the indian owner and the many tibetan(?) workers (this was years ago, i have moved abroad) have always been very friendly to me. one time, i remember there was a white female counter worker happily singing along to the broadcast music and making sandwiches. i liked going there before the lunch crowd,usually seated by myself and having a casual meal. i wish them all the best.
I remember when this was just an empty lot with garbage theow all over. I played manhunt and other games there. Talking late 70s early 80s..I am still here and will loose my sunlight if a new highrise is developed there but who cares.
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