82nd Street Duane Reade Closing

[Chuckster]

Many of the business locations on the commercial strips in the neighborhood are owned by one landlord, and I believe this may apply to the Duane Reade on 82nd Street as well.  What would happen if the landlord decided to sell all the property under his ownership, and what if no buyers of his liking expressed interest in purchasing?  The story of The Slummification of Kissena Boulevard is a sad, albeit not so uncommon one in today's real estate market.

http://www.citizenofthemonth.com/2008/01/07/the-slummification-of-kissena-boulevard/

Not completely off topic, Brian Lehrer, of WNYC radio, hosted an interesting talk with a reporter from Crain's New York Business on the Bankification of New York.  They discuss the proliferation of banks all over New York replacing the mom and pop shops that previously lined city streets.  It's a long listen, and runs approximately 20 minutes.

http://www.wnyc.org/shows/bl/episodes/2007/08/07/segments/83429

[NYCMacUser]

My best friend lives on Main Street in Flushing. She is disgusted by the change. Unfortunately, there is no way to move out because there just aren't any affordable apartments left in Queens for those that don't have a car. For some reason slumification always seems to precede gentrification. If I live long enough I would like to see Astoria/LIC after the completion of the current gentrification. I wonder how long those $750,000–$2,500,000 condos stay occupied if we really are in a recession. JH, on the other hand, still has many, many long term residents who have remained active in the community to keep most of those unscrupulous, wealthy builders out.

[erospolitico]

If you reas the Kissena Blvd. Article, you can come see some of the wonderful property owned by Pelcorp. right here in Jackson Heights.

Come look at the filth of 35-55 73rd Street, where they save money by making no improvements at all and treat tenants like criminals.

Many of the business locations on the commercial strips in the neighborhood are owned by one landlord, and I believe this may apply to the Duane Reade on 82nd Street as well.  What would happen if the landlord decided to sell all the property under his ownership, and what if no buyers of his liking expressed interest in purchasing?  The story of The Slummification of Kissena Boulevard is a sad, albeit not so uncommon one in today's real estate market.

http://www.citizenofthemonth.com/2008/01/07/the-slummification-of-kissena-boulevard/

Not completely off topic, Brian Lehrer, of WNYC radio, hosted an interesting talk with a reporter from Crain's New York Business on the Bankification of New York.  They discuss the proliferation of banks all over New York replacing the mom and pop shops that previously lined city streets.  It's a long listen, and runs approximately 20 minutes.

http://www.wnyc.org/shows/bl/episodes/2007/08/07/segments/83429

[ECG]

The prices for generic meds at Walgreen are breathtakingly expensive. I have had great luck with B&B on 37th Ave. between 80th and 81Streets. They are friendly, speedy and really take an interest in you and your family. They also will fight for your rights to be covered. I was there when there was a snafu with my Medicare coverage. After 20 minutes with the health plan and conversations with others, in two languages, they confirmed I was covered and filled all my meds. I recommend them highly.

[NYCMacUser]

. . . when there was a snafu with my Medicare coverage.

Who is your Part D carrier?

[JoeinQueens]

I learned that the ABC Store on 82nd Street is taking over the Duane Reade that just closed.

[APG7714]

EW  :tickedoff:

[mistapresident]

If the ABC Superstore takes over the closed down Duane Reade, then what will the present location of the ABC Superstore become?

[Chuckster]

Maybe they'll maintain both spaces?   

[schmorps]

On that note, any recommendations for pharmacies in the neighborhood, preferably in the 80s, independent or chain?  Pharmacies that allow you to call in for refills, have things on hand, and are fast, responsive, nice, etc.?

There's Vitascript on 37th between 83rd and 84th. They're exceptionally friendly in there.

[APG7714]

Maybe they'll maintain both spaces?   

God forbid that of occurring two of the same lame crappy stores feet from each other   :buck2:

[Chuckster]

Does anyone believe that maybe the reason Jackson Heights has so many 99 cents stores and the like is because there is a demand for these types of businesses by a part of the community?  I notice that ABC, as well as some of the smaller shops selling similar products, are always full of people both browsing and buying.  The large 99 cent store on Roosevelt and 77th is always jam packed as well.

[APG7714]

82nd street is looks more unattractive than ever with all of those vacant storefronts and graffiti piling up

[Chuckster]

I was on 82nd Street today and counted at least 4 empty stores.

1.  Duane Reade
2.  Bang Bang
3.  Monique Jewelers
4.  Medusa

To be completely honest, not until I started reading this board have I become more aware of empty storefronts. So I'm not sure if this number of vacancies all occurring at the same time is the norm for 82nd Street.  Anyone notice in the past few years how the turn around rate for rentals is on 82nd?

[ECG]

I heard this rumor this morning! I know that space has a full basement (the old Woolworth had all the good stuff downstairs). Could this be true?

Haven't checked the hot bed of rumor over on the JHFamilies site yet.