Queens: Shopping Center Fails To Replace Vacancies
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Empty storefronts are becoming common in the current recession, but one Queens shopping center has had vacant stores for years and no sign of new tenants. Borough Reporter Ruschell Boone filed the following report.The shuttered stores, padlocked doors and boarded-up windows of a shopping center on Kissena Boulevard were once the site of intense commercial activity years ago.
"Before it was like 42nd Street around here, very busy," said local Olga Hill.
Now residents call the center a ghost town, after more than a dozen stores closed in recent years with no other businesses taking their place.
"The kosher restaurant has been closed for two years, these two businesses are still operating, [National Wholesale] Liquidators closed last month," said local Raymond Ruiz. "The fish market closed last year, the bakery closed six years ago."
Residents say there are a lot of rumors spreading about the fate of the shopping center, but they have not been able to get an answer from the landlord.
The few business owners who are left are also concerned.
"Our business is real slow because of that, it's like 50 percent," says Albert Babaev, the owner of Albert's Barber Shop.
Many owners say they do not know how much longer they can survive in a shopping center with few stores.
"I still have like four years left on my lease but I don't know how long that's to last. As you can see my store is all empty," said Ruchik Patel, the owner of Colony Cards.
NY1 reached the center's leasing agent, Pelcorp Management Company, and officials said they are not trying to force businesses out so they can sell the property. They also said they are actively looking for new tenants.
The spokesperson said Pelcorp left the stores empty because it expected the business anchoring the center, National Wholesale Liquidators, to expand and renovate. But that company filed for bankruptcy a few months ago.
Pelcorp officials said they are now speaking with several national retailers about becoming the anchor tenant.
"When are they going to rent? Because this is an eyesore for the community," said a local.
Pelcorp officials said they are hoping to get a new tenant in the space by next year.