Dec. 27, 2010 By Christian Murray
Many sections of the Sunnyside business district took a battering in the past 12 months, as more than 20 neighborhood stores closed.
Queens Blvd was particularly hard hit between 42nd and 46thstreets. Here, stores such as Starberry, Flynn’s, Corner 46, Rose Diner, The Diving Bell, Shin Chon BBQ, Boost Mobile and the OTB closed. Furthermore, Nourish sat vacant for the past 12 months.
Nevertheless, Sunnyside’s commercial district appeared to be more resilient than many other Queens neighborhoods. In July, Congressman Anthony Weiner conducted a study of 10 Queens neighborhoods and said that the average vacancy rate in those neighborhoods was 12%. Meanwhile, Sunnyside’s was less than 10%.
Signs of Sunnyside’s strength were evident along Greenpoint Ave. In 2010, Lenny’s Pizza, Orchard Farmers Market and Bank of America opened. Rite Aid merged its two stores and Associated expanded. Additionally, Key Food is in the process of expanding its store and has a four-story development on the way.
However, there were still several closures on Greenpoint Ave too, such as Greenpoint Furniture, Manolos and Tasty Fast Food IV.
On Skillman Ave., businesses such as Daco Romano and La Plaza Mexico closed. However, there were many stores that opened, such as Basmati Table, an Indian restaurant; Petunia, a children’s clothing store; and Skillman Pets.
Joe Conley, chairman of Community Board 2, said the condition of Sunnyside’s business district is “symbolic of the economy.” However, “It could be far worse.”
Note: This slide show is based on this site’s 2010 records of Queens Blvd, Greenpoint Ave and Skillman Ave. openings and closings.
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11 Comments
It is depressing: and many business on Greenpoint around 41st and 40th are struggling.
It’s good to hear that Sunnyside is one of the Queens neighborhoods that are doing well. I really wish the vacancy rate was lower. Hopefully things will pick up soon for business owners.
Flynn’s did close, technically, but the owner bought Mickey John’s on Skillman, and there’s another business going in his old location on the Boulevard.
I love the Orchard Market, but it is pretty pricey.
I love what SunnysideShines has done with their coupon book with B.ID. Bucks too bad we cannot to anything for our entire town of sunnyside so all the merchats can share in dong business. althoguht I do not know if otherr stores were asked and said no to thei idea as well. Maye the banks could offer the stores that particapate in the sale a rebate so they would not loose any moeny if they particapate, just an idea
I don’t think that Orchard Farmers Market is doing well. I found it crowded the first week or so, but virtually empty on recent visits in late morning or mid afternoon. Haven’t been there at night. Mom doesn’t let me go out after dark.
How does the lot next to Dazies remain undeveloped?
The Electronic store that was on 44th street. Looks like it got completely clearned out by some workers, any news on who might be taking over the store yet, and Strawberry Ice cream store the for rent sign is gone any news if someone is taking it over
Greenpoint Beauty Supplies at 42-16 Greenpoint Ave is closed.
But we have a new tenant coming soon.
Hi Jose. You are 100% right. Therefore, in the “openings and expansions” slideshow, the store was included there.
Thanks for your feedback.
Casablanca didn’t close. It just moved across the street from their original location.