Photo by Nykeema Williams
The union representing employees at the Pathmark in Long Island City say they are preparing for a still-unconfirmed closure.
By Rebecca Henely
TimesLedger Newspapers
Rumors have been flying over whether or not a Long Island City Pathmark will be closing its doors, but a spokeswoman for the store workers’ union said the organization is preparing for the worst.
“We’re kind of wondering what’s going on,” said Kate Meckler, spokeswoman for United Food and Commercial Workers Local 342.
A spokesman from City Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer’s (D-Sunnyside) office and other sources said they had heard the supermarket, at 42-02 Northern Blvd., was set to close but had not been given any confirmation.
Meckler said despite repeated requests, Pathmark has not given a “yes” or “no” answer regarding the closure.
But the lease for the building has either expired or is set to expire, which has led the union to consider the store will be moving out.
“From our perspective, we have to treat it as a store closing to protect the interests of the members,” Meckler said.
The Great Atlantic Pacific Tea Co., the parent corporation of Pathmark and other grocery chains, was still preparing a comment at the TimesLedger’s Tuesday afternoon press time.
Pathmark has faced increased competition from nationwide discounters in the neighborhood, such as Costco and BJ’s, which opened after the supermarket put down its roots on Northern Boulevard, according to one woman who lives in the area.
Pathmark, one of the first supermarket grocery chains, was begun by three men — Herb Brody, Milton Perlmutter and Alex Aidekman — in 1968. In addition to its numerous locations throughout New York, New Jersey, and Delaware, it has three other Queens stores in Ozone Park, Springfield Gardens and Whitestone.
Another supermarket chain owned by AP that has locations in the borough is Waldbaum’s, which has stores in Jackson Heights, College Point, Whitestone, Bayside, Bay Terrace, Belle Harbor, two in Flushing and two in Howard Beach.
Reach reporter Rebecca Henely by e-mail at [email protected] or by phone at 718-260-4564.
©2012 Community Newspaper Group
