Update on Pathmark Replacement Efforts

The countdown clock may have expedited after the arrival of Hurricane Sandy, but the outcome remains the same. Pathmark will close its 227 Cherry Street locale by the end of the year. Being just over a month out, community advocates continue their push for a reliable alternative once construction starts on a new tower.

During this period of gradual closeout, the Two Bridges Neighborhood Council is ramping up efforts to score a temporary solution for the larger problem. Director Victor Papa appeared before the CB3 zoning subcommittee last night to explain the latest course of action. And to try and gain community support. The neighborhood group recently hired an “urban food consultant” to help steer the ship, so to speak. Two main options are on the table in the short term – provide a smaller substitute nearby or implement a shuttle service to a different supermarket.

Meantime, the consultants will continue to gather information about consumer shopping patterns and whether this Pathmark is actually affordable. This data would then be used to help determine possible replacements down the road. Of course, worries abound that the changing demographic will usher in something of the trendy variety.

Papa also reiterated his unwavering belief that Extell Development Co. is behind the latest tower plan here. Moreover, the developer is apparently acting under a veil of total secrecy and is totally “unapproachable.” Whatever rises here will certainly be a game-changer.