Replacement for Pathmark doubted

Even as two supermarkets prepare for grand openings this month, the former site of the Pathmark on the north side of Baldwin may not reopen as a grocery store. 

Darien Ward of the Baldwin Civic Association’s economic and development committee, reported that he spoke to managers of the site who indicated the development company that owns the property does not want to put in another grocery store. 

The management firm that oversees the property said that the owners are a group of investors who are not local. They have hired brokers, the firm said, and are looking to market the site, Ward said. 

He said there was a “clear front-runner” to take over the site and that the individual or company met the investors’ criteria, including good credit and willing to take on a lease. 

The manager told Ward that the investors would be willing to talk to a grocery chain, but so far none have be able to match the investors’ qualifications. 

Ward told an audience at the civic association meeting last month, “Pathmark was a major financial windfall for [its owners] A&P.” He noted that four years ago when A&P was facing bankruptcy, the company managed to save the Pathmark. But this time, the Pathmark closed. “Now the management of the property is gun-shy about finding another grocer,” he said. 

Because a deal has not been completed, the identity of the possible new lease-holder has not been revealed, he said, but he thought the civic association might know who it would be in about 120 days. 

The news engendered a fair amount of disappointment among the assembled listeners. “So the community has no say” in what’s going to go into the location? a woman asked. The civic association leaders said they would try to find out more information. 

“We need alternatives,” Ward said. “We’ve got to find a way to reach their [the investors’] bar.”  

Meanwhile, the two new markets are planning their grand openings. The Ideal market, at 856-874 Merrick Rd., is already open to customers, said Dan Cabassa, chief executive officer, with a grand opening planned for the second week in January.

Cabassa has said Ideal will make international foods, especially Hispanic items, a priority. 

The new Gala Fresh Farms, at 2485 Grand Ave., will open for customers on Dec. 8 and hold its grand opening the weekend of Dec. 18, with an opportunity for free photos with Santa from 2 to 4 p.m. on Dec. 19.

The store continues to hire employees. Those interested may go to jobs.galafresh.com for more information. The store will be the first of its kind and will specialize in fresh and organic items.

A second Gala Fresh is also set to open in Riverhead later this month. Other Gala Fresh stores are planned for Brooklyn and New Jersey.