Residents and business owners recently addressed their concerns on the closing of Potter's Pub. The bar and eatery that has been in East Meadow for 41 years will close its doors on Saturday.
Owner Mike Amitrano cited "the economy" as the reason for the closure and said that after Hurricane Sandy he lost money in damaged products and equipment.
Residents and merchants said that they are concerned with the number of storefronts going out of business on Hempstead Turnpike.
Potter's Pub joins Hooters and Zorns as East Meadow mainstays that have shuttered along the busy road in less that six months.
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John is the manger of Vapor Smoke Shop on 2059 Hempstead Turnpike. In business for only four months, he said that the number of vacancies scares him.
"It's very sad that things are going bad because of the economy," he said. "I feel bad for the owners because they put all of their money, time and their dreams into these businesses."
AJ, owner of AJ's Spot on 2069 Hempstead Turnpike, said that witnessing storefronts closing "does not make him feel good."
"What can you do," he said.
Dolores Rome, president of the East Meadow Chamber of Commerce, said that she too is concerned.
"I think that it is devastating that they are all closing," she said. "It has to do with the economy and the landlords not attracting businesses by fixing up their areas making people want to rent."
Residents said that they want to see more businesses thrive in East Meadow.
Warren Kalmenson, who has lived in East Meadow for 36 years, said that he would like to see more mom and pop stores open in the vacant properties.
"Owners of mom and pop stores hire people who live in the community and the taxes they pay are within the town and the community," he said. "Local people will support local merchants."
Rome agreed.
"A mom and pop store or something different like an Apple Store in one of the large properties," she said. "Something that would bring a lot of business to East Meadow and stay."
What are some businesses that you would like to see open in the vacant properties in East Meadow? Tell us in the comments below.
