20-Story High Rise Ousts Longtime UWS Businesses

Longtime businesses on the Upper West Side were notified in February by landlord Friedland Properties that they would need to clear out by early spring due to partial or complete demolition of their buildings. Businesses on the east side of Broadway between W. 77th & W. 78th streets include the Manhattan Diner, New Pizza Town and Vai Restaurant, shown above. Several businesses have occupied their spaces for 25 years or more, and many have years left on their leases, but a demolition clause allows for lawful termination.

The culprit for all this disruption? A proposed 20-story high-rise with 18,689 square feet of commercial space and 172,473 square feet of residential space. The initial plan submitted by Friedland was not approved by the Department of Buildings, but that’s not uncommon. Friedland is expected to re-submit plans once they’ve made changes to comply with DOB codes.

So it’s the end of an era for some and a new beginning for others. J. Kim’s Tae Kwon Do school plans to move to nearby W. 60th & Broadway, but concerns such as the World of Nuts candy shop expects they may close after 25 years in business, should demolition stretch to their end of the block.

Source: DNAinfo.com

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