Vacant Stores at East Meadow Commons Slowly Fill

Many shopping centers in East Meadow share a common problem these days – store vacancies. But, one site in town is slowly filling up with tenants who draw in steady business.

The center, located at 2575 Hempstead Turnpike, was the former site of Pep Boys. It has been renovated extensively in the past several years and is now home to several successful businesses, most prominently , , and .

The opening of in to the shopping center, as evident by the filled parking lot on Friday and Saturday evenings.

“I think the shopping center is appealing for merchants,” East Meadow resident Jackie Hyland said. “A lot of businesses have had success their, they are right near the [Wantagh Parkway], so it could bring business from other areas.”

Josephine Kulogowski, a long time East Meadow resident, said that this shopping center is “desirable because it is newer” compared to other stores in town.

Currently, the shopping area has three listed units available for rent, as well as the former space inhabited, which is available but not listed yet. According to LoopNet.com, the spaces that are listed are 5,715, 1,460 and 981 square feet, respectively. Two units are situated between the and stores, and the other is located next to Joyce Leslie.

Nassimi Realty, the owners of East Meadow Commons, stated on their website that this location boosts “strong demographics” and a "high-traffic intersection."

Many agree that the lack of parking during peak hours might be a problem for prospective retailers who would be interested in leasing a unit at East Meadow Commons.

“Right now the parking lot is too small because of ,” Kulogowski said. “I think if they opened something that is popular, parking is going to be a mess.”

“It would be beneficial if they put in more parking because has very little,” Hyland added.

Local residents voiced their opinion on what should be added to fill the vacant stores in the East Meadow Commons.

Rebecca Kelley, 23, of East Meadow, said that she would “like to see a bar with some ambiance and some actual attitude to it” or an entertainment shop. She said the vacant stores in East Meadow make the town look “dead and soulless.”

Kulogowski said that whatever goes into the shopping center should generate a revenue for the local community.

“Besides a bar,” she added. “There are so many vacant stores up and down Hempstead Turnpike that it is kind of disheartening. There are plenty of food places - you really don’t want to see anymore fast food places.”

In place of , Hyland said she would like to see something that is owned by someone in East Meadow.

“It doesn’t really matter what type of store it is, as long as it is benefiting East Meadow in some way,” she continued. “Maybe something for kids to do after school would be good. Our youth needs something to do to keep themselves busy and productive after school hours before their parents get home. That would be a nice addition to the East Meadow community.”

Patch will regularly spotlight vacant commercial properties in effort to initiate a discussion within the community about alternative uses for these abandoned places. If you'd like to know more about a specific property, please comment below.