One of the buildings in Levittown that has been closed for a long period of time is the former Kmart building on the corner of Gardiners Avenue and Hempstead Turnpike.
An article in the Levittown Tribune from September of 2004 states that the building was one of 18 that Kmart sold to Home Depot across the United States. According to Town Councilman Gary Hudes, Home Depot still owns the lease on the property, and they expressed interest in building on it.
"We met with Home Depot a few months ago," Hudes said. "[They] expressed interest again in coming to Levittown. We checked on that, and they said they are still interested and they are going through their internal processes."
The empty lot was the site of a MoveOn.org protest in Levittown last November. Protesters said they chose the spot partially because the building had been closed for so long.
- Waldbaums went out of business because it wasn't able to fend off the competition. With two Stop N Shops, a Pathmark, and BJs -- not to mention plus grocery sections of Target and Walmart -- all vying for consumer dollars, I can't imagine another supermarket seeing it as a good investment. - And let's say another one did come in, such as Wegman's or Stu Leonards and blows the other chains out of the water -- basically we'll be swapping one empty building for another. Believe me, I'd love a Trader Joes or Stu to come to Levittown (I've heard some great things about Stu). I just don't think it's financially sound. I mentioned a few months ago a Barnes & Noble, but I guess with one in Westbury so close by, that's not likely either. I think the best bet for the buildings will be to divide them into smaller units in order to attract some small to midsize businesses. But all this wishful thinking isn't worth the computers they're typed on until our county leaders start putting more of an effort into attracting potential businesses.
The KMART location is empty approximately 9 years. Our government officials NEED to pressure the owners of these abandoned properties to either develop or sell to a development company. We need to invite new business' with new ideas to Levittown (one of Long Island's first and largest planned communities) to show that middle-class America can be alive and well. This is a no brainer which will bring the usual, more jobs, more tax revenue, more economic growth, more demand for goods and services. Politicians better pool all of their resources to make a huge difference for the residents of Levittown and be a leading example for Long Island.
But to answer your question, I’m not certain that rules out the possibility of a TV Studio in place of that former K-Mart: First of all, that location in Bethpage is NOT really "up the road"; you need to take N Wantagh Road as well; although that’s not much of a difference when it comes to the transport of equipment and things like that. Second of all, Grumman Studios looks likes it's more used for major movie productions, rather than small TV Productions; although it looks like Television productions can take place their as well. The reason why I came up with the idea of a TV Studio is because I like to imagine places like these not just put to good use, but to unique and fun use as well; and a small TV Studio in place of the K-Mart would make it possible for the people of Nassau County to be on Television, and have fun with it too. You see, I picture such a TV studio mainly used for "community television" (almost like public access), not big national blockbusters. An example of a show would be locallly produced game show, that would then be broadcast on a special Cablevision channel. Still, it of course doesn’t have to be a TV Studio; as I’ve stated in my original posting, I overall think we should think beyond retail for this entire space and make it into something even better.
I drove by it recently, and I saw they are tearing it down. In a way, I am going to miss that building though.
Yesterday afternoon, I drove by on my way to the fair, and saw that most of the whole building has already been demolished.
Steve
Agree with your points although in greedy fashion I'd take the HD in Levittown and let them close the E. Meadow store if only because we need the tax base! I think HD's move was expressly designed to keep Lowes from opening there. I believe that was their 1st choice and the Hicksville store that opened recently (or not so recently) was their B plan when HD strategically blocked it by acquiring the lease. I would love a book store there but I think it's a long shot since those chains are boarding up brick and mortar locations as fast as they can. My fantasy plan is for an ice rink/sports/indoor pool/gym complex. Newbridge arena is crumbling and the aquatic center will close sooner or later for necessary repairs. Town of Oyster Bay built a sports complex in Hicksville and a gorgeous rink (and outdoor pool) complex in Bethpage. Yet, ToH does nothing as usual. We have such a fabulous bond rating (per Kate & Co.) precisely because they don't do anything. No ambition. A few repaved sidewalks on Gardiners Ave. Not really that ambitious. Most of us are martyrs for our kids in Levittown anyway so why not build something geared to them, lasting and impressive enough to lead a real sense of revitalization? Pipe dream, I know. I'd be happy with a Sonic or White Castle at this point. Anything to show signs of developmental life out of ToH as opposed to obstructionism.
Having worked for Whole Foods in the past, I can assure you, they won't move to Levittown in 1 million years. Whole Foods specifically seeks areas that are either affluent, liberal-leaning, or within a close proximity to a college campus. Levittown is none of those.
IHop, Perkins,places families can go and enjoy quality time and food. Also,in general for Levittown....we have no clean,quality hotels. People gave guests come,especially around holidays and no places to stay local. Just some of my ideas,for What it is worth..