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Community Corner

Empty Stores in RVC Nears All-Time High

Officials say vacancy rate is the highest in 18 years, but believe the economy will turn upward.

When driving west on Sunrise Highway and crossing over Morris Avenue into the village's downtown, one can already spot empty storefronts — five before you can make a left turn.

According to village spokesman Jeff Kluewer, there are 490 businesses in the village, and in June, the vacancy rate was 10 percent.  The village's historic high was 10.4 percent in December of 1992, he said.

On Park Avenue, Merrick Road, Sunrise Highway and Village Avenue, there are 17 empty storefronts, and local business owners said they think the vacant establishments surrounding them are bad for business.

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"The unoccupied stores certainly don't help us out," said Ira Siegel-Mevorah of Happy Hostess on Sunrise Highway. "In fact, they drive people away."

The difficult economic climate has been cited as part of the reason why so many stores remain empty. Greg Batista, the realtor for the said he thinks its the prime reason why potential tenants have been scared off, with some having concerns about paying out of pocket for renovations.

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"The economic downturn has really affected retail businesses," added Kluewer.

In Rockville Centre, business owners opine that the dearth of parking is also a reason for the vacancies. Batista said that prospective buyers who have inquired about the 11,000- square foot property were also worried by the lack of parking.

Despite the problems caused by the vacancies, village officials said there isn't much it can do. "Obviously the village would prefer a vacancy rate of zero, but that is not in our control," Kluewer said. "The village tries to support retail businesses by providing basic public services at reasonable rates."

Kluewer noted, however, that the 10 percent vacancy rate in June was actually down slightly from earlier this spring. Multiple new establishments have begun to sprout up downtown, including Five Pennies Creamery on Park Avenue, a new TD Bank on Merrick Road, and Red Mango, a trendy frozen yogurt bar, is also opening its doors on Park Avenue.

According to Kluewer, before the economic downturn, Rockville Centre's downtown was cited as being "cool" and a "model area" by Nassau County officials. But what type of businesses would be most beneficial to the area?

"Businesses around here rely on foot traffic, and that's just not happening lately," said Siegel-Mevorah. "Something that draws foot traffic like a clothing store would be great."

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