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You Told Us: What Do You Think About Michaels Coming to the UES?

By Shaye Weaver | January 16, 2017 3:29pm
 A Michaels is slated for 405-15 E. 59th St., under the Queensboro Bridge, in the space where a Food Emporium used to sit.
A Michaels is slated for 405-15 E. 59th St., under the Queensboro Bridge, in the space where a Food Emporium used to sit.
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DNAinfo/Shaye Weaver

UPPER EAST SIDE — A new Michaels arts and crafts store is planned for the historic market space under the Queensboro Bridge at East 59th Street — disappointing some locals who say a grocery store would have been more appropriate.

A new application for interior work on the landmarked, city-owned property at 405-15 E. 59th St., whose vaulted ceilings were designed by famed architect Rafael Gustavino, is currently before the Landmarks Preservation Commission.

The space was previously occupied by a Food Emporium for 16 years until it closed on Nov. 21, 2015.

Readers took to Neighborhood Square to sound off about their new neighbor, with many disappointed that a grocery store wasn't chosen instead.

► "I think this is a terrible choice for the neighborhood. We need food stores such as Trader Joe or Citarella. An indoor farmers market would be great. I do not think they will do well up here at all. Arts and crafts isn't a major need here. People do not have excess money to spend on hobbies," curlygirlnyc wrote.

► "Such a beautiful space, why isn't somebody feasible stepping up to use it, I very much doubt the success of an arts and crafts store there. These super hi-rise buildings are full of tenants, where do they eat? Don't they need milk, bread, eggs?" said jotheodorou.

► "What we need is a Trader Joe's and people throughout the neighborhood have been pleading for one. Where our elderly — we have two senior living buildings within a block of the bridge with a third coming soon — shop for food is a mystery. Certainly not Whole Foods/'Whole Paycheck.'  Certainly not Gristides at $1.50 for a lemon. But maybe they just don't eat," SWGall added.

► "It should be replaced with another supermarket with affordable prices. Sick of $5 increases on almost every staple food product. Arts & crafts store will go broke in this enormous space," Nikkilove wrote.

► "A complete disaster! More chain-driven schlock. And what a colossal waste of the magnificent Guastavino tile vaults. Surely they deserve better than mounds of crappy 'art' supplies. A well-run market could have done better in that location; Food Emporium had been mismanaged for decades," added DAVE5D.

A few others were more positive about the new arrival.

► "Seems right at home next to TJ Maxx and Bed Bath Beyond," writes dna10021.

► "It sure beats an empty space. Will inspire the creative efforts of the entire Upper East Side neighborhood and beyond," UpperEastMike said.