Are Things Looking Up in Garden City's Downtown?

There's movement in Garden City's business district, which, months ago, was plastered with "For Rent" signs and empty store fronts.

The Burger Spot opened Tuesday on Seventh Street and Garden City Chemists is set to make its debut right next door Sept. 28. Bagelman is making its official move to Seventh Street too, expected to open "shortly," as soon as owner Ken Mataix receives all remaining necessary approvals.

After diSalvo Interiors relocated to Oyster Bay, the long-time vacant building on Franklin Avenue finally has a new tenant set to occupy the entire top floor. Scott Trade was approved to open a retail outlet in the old Prillik Gallery space next to Annastasia's Beauty Salon, also on Franklin.

John Wilton, chair of the Merchants, Professionals & Retailers group, said that while all this is "great news" Garden City merchants are still struggling.

"There are some long-term tenants facing cash flow rent issues (deficits)," Wilton told Patch Tuesday.

Progress is also visible at the former Texaco site at the corner of Seventh Street and Franklin Avenue, where a mixed-use building is in the works. Domus Green, LLC, the property owner, has hung an enlarged rendition of the final project along the construction fencing for all those interested to see.

The three-story building will include 15,000 square feet of retail at street level and 14 "high end" residential units, seven on each the second and third floors. 

Further south on Franklin, the plate glass windows at Garden City Pizza have finally been replaced. Owner Greg Bavaro says his boarded up facade following a rash of vandalism at his store during the summer certainly didn't help or create an inviting atmosphere.

"It's hard to say (about the effect on business) ... we did get a lot of calls asking if we were open," he said. "That being said, the fact that August is one of our slowest months, coupled with the current economic situation, it is really hard to gauge. 

"But we got our windows," Bavaro said. "One kid's parents paid for one and our insurance paid for a portion of the other. We are back in business!"