C R Y D E R P O I N T 8 Seeptmber Avella Continues Fight to Replace Waldbaum’s Senator Opposes Subdividing the Property By Jill Davis It was high noon on Friday, August 12 and wow, it was a scorcher. Despite the 95-plus temperature, many Cryder Point residents braved the heat to attend Senator Tony Avella’s press conference and rally at the site of the former Waldbaum’s on 10th Avenue. The fact that no supermarket has come in to replace Waldbaum’s since it shut down last November has been one of the neighborhood’s hottest topics these many months. Whether you were a fan of Waldbaum’s or not, it can’t be denied that it was convenient—only half-a-mile away and accessible by bus. The closest option now is the Whitestone Shopping Center and you need a car to get there, which is a nuisance for everyone and a particular burden on those who don’t drive. Cryder Point resident Stan Stolar echoed the sentiments of many when he said, “I would like something on the property, and I’m not thrilled with Key Food.” Avella called the gathering to give area residents an update about what’s been going on and to impress upon the Feil Organization (which owns the property) that the site is in serious need of new supermarket. The Senator explained, “I was in touch with the Feil Organization on a regular basis, and they assured me they would bring back a full service supermarket. One of the things they did was they purchased wall utilities and fixtures from Waldbaum’s with the intention to do that. But in the last two months they haven’t been returning my calls.” He continued, “The latest information is that North Shore Farms… will come into part of the space and part of the space…would be subdivided into three small stores.” However, he said, “Feil refuses to confirm or deny speculation that North Shore Farms will come into the space and be subdivided with a pharmacy.” North Shore Farms is a Long Island-based supermarket chain with locations in Nassau and Suffolk but none thus far in Queens. The Senator expressed concern about subdividing the property no matter what market may come in. Nowadays most supermarkets are large, full-service operations and if the space were subdivided, there would be extremely few, if any, other grocers who would want to open a comparatively small store. “If it North Shore Farms fails, you won’t get another supermarket here,” Avella said. He asked the crowd what they thought about the possible plan, and people were unanimous in their opposition to a subdivision or to having some of the space taken up by a pharmacy since the area already has so many drugstores. Avella also expressed concern that 8 cryder point courier | September 2016 | WWW.QNS.COM North Shore Farms may not be the best fit for the neighborhood. “North Shore Farms is higher end with higher prices,” he said. “It’s not necessary for Le Havre or Cryder Point. It’s not what the community asked for.” It appeared that most people in attendance weren’t familiar with the chain, but those who’ve been to its stores think it would be fine. Cryder Pointer Sandy Chaiken has shopped there and said, “We would welcome North Shore Farms.” She added, “But no pharmacy.” Currently, North Shore Farms’ nearest store is in Great Neck. Online reviews are generally very positive about the chain but, notably, the Great Neck location draws a good bit of criticism. Why? Many reviewers say it’s too small—something that both Feil and North Shore would be wise to consider if they move forward with opening a store over here. The store’s website indicates that they are planning to expand across Long Island as well as into “Eastern Queens,” but at this time things remain vague. The Queens Courier contacted the chain and a spokesperson told the paper that the Whitestone space is not guaranteed and that they are still exploring different locations. Avella encouraged people to go to his website (www.nysenate.gov/ senators/tony-avella) and sign the petition that calls for returning a full supermarket to the site. He also urged folks to call the Feil Organization directly (212-279-7600). He advised everyone to “call and say we need a market that takes the entire space.” The Senator assured everyone that he is “going to continue the fight” and that he will keep trying to meet with the property owner, so stay tuned. Avella addresses reporters and the crowd. Photo by Brianna Ellis/QNS Stan Stolar gives Tony his opinion. Photo by Jill Davis Cryder resident Marty Lassman (back to camera) chats with Tony. Photo by Jill Davis
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