IN March of this year the restaurant Bella Via vacated its prominent corner-front location on Vernon Boulevard. The absence has been very noticeable this summer due to the discontinuation of the usual street scene emanating from people seated and stopping by the outdoor tables. So we decided to call the broker listed on the window, David Barreto of Cast Iron Real Estate, to find out ‘What’s up?,’ and this is what he shared.
There has been a tremendous interest in the site for all kinds of potential uses: Gourmet Deli’s, Coffee Shops, Bakeries, Health Centers (think CityMD etc.), Cannabis, Covid Testing, Tattoo Parlor. The owner and brokers preference is for something in the Food & Beverage space, whereby the new business can fully utilize the prominent corner and outdoor seating. On that front they have received inquiries from nearby residents and businesses, as well as well-known operators in Brooklyn and Manhattan looking to establish an outpost in LIC.
Given the 20 years it was occupied by Bella Via, the space will need extensive renovations which will require significant investment. For that reason they are looking to offer a lengthy lease to a quality tenant. They are currently reviewing several Letters of Intent as well as continuing to show the space, but expect they will have an answer in the next 30-60 days. Which means the corner should be bustling again come Summer 2023.
//AFFORDABLE HOUSING – this is it folks, and that’s the reason I capitalize it. One of the last mega-housing grabs in the most desirable part of Long Island City = the waterfront. 463 units are now open to applications in the Gotham Point Tower North and 50% of them are set aside for current residents of Community Board 2. There’s a broad range of income bands acceptable from $16k to $273k and it’s a brand spanking-new Hi-Rise with lots of amenities. Rents range from $397 to $3,580 for studios to 3-br’s, you’d be a fool not to apply!
Huge, Affordable Long Island City Tower Hits Housing Lottery
The Lottery Site – details and much, much better odds than Lotto
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