The site of a former convenience store that has been vacant for several years will have a new beginning thanks to ongoing construction.
The convenience store formerly occupied 2125 Hempstead Turnpike, which is located near the intersection of Hempstead Turnpike and Carman Avenue, but has been vacant for many years, according to local residents.
Susan Trenkle-Pokalsky, the press secretary for the Town of Hempstead, said that the applicant went before the Town of Hempstead Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) and then received a permit for construction of a “one-story retail use and fit-out for future tenants” in Jan. of 2011.
“There have been no permit applications put in by any tenants at this point,” she added in regards to possible new tenants at the site.
Echoing Trenkle-Pokalsky’s statement, a Town of Hempstead sign posted on the side of the building in question stated that the proposed work includes a variance with conditions to “construct a one-story masonry building for retail use per BZA grant.”
Currently, a new building is visible behind the already existing former convenience store at the site. Wooden boards flank the perimeter of the construction area.
The contact number provided at the building’s location yielded no response.
Longtime East Meadow resident Jacqueline Miller said that she couldn’t remember the last time there was a functioning business at that location.
“It makes the neighborhood look dirty and unappealing to other businesses,” she said about the former convenience store remaining empty for a number of years. “It is an eyesore. It would be nice if they would either tear it down or made something with it. It would be nice for someone to finally take over. As long as they do the upkeep for that particular spot.”
“Hempstead Turnpike is already built up, so it is better to add a new business than to keep a run down building in place with no one there,” she added.
What do you think should occupy the spot? Tell us in the comments.
