Former East Meadow Restaurant Remains Vacant

Maddy Icobone of East Meadow said that she remembered when The Nile Cafe and Grill closed and that she would like to see a business fill the vacant space quickly.

"It closed last summer and I think that a regular deli would be good over there," she said.

The empty storefront located at 355 Newbridge Road has been vacant for more than six months.

On Thursday afternoon, Icobone picked up her prescription at the business next door to the empty property, and talked to employees about vacancies in the area.

"I wish that more stores were being rented, but the economy is bad and people are not going to rent now because they are afraid they might fail," she said. "There is too much competition."

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She asked her friend, Steve Camilleri of Levittown, what he thought should fill the property.

"I think that a laundromat would do good or a hardware store so people won't have to go to the Home Depot," he said. "A little gift shop would be nice too."

Hedeline Benjamin, owner of Honey B's Bakery, said that she thinks a family oriented business would be a great addition to Newbridge Road.

"I think that something that will attract the kids will be great," she said. "Parents are always looking for things to do with their kids and a business that can get people out and about would be good."

Benjamin said that a franchise opening in the property could be beneficial to the nearby businesses.

"A franchise or something already established should go there, but not a food franchise," she said. "People pass by here and they don't see the businesses and a franchise could help us all out."

What do you think should fill the vacant property? Tell us in the comments below.

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