By Anthony Rifilato
Several businesses have recently opened or are in the process of being built, which could further Baldwin's commercial progress. They range from small businesses to larger chains that will open in the coming months. In addition to increasing Baldwin's commercial tax base, the stores are also expected to create jobs in a lackluster economy, while filling up vacant storefronts.
One business that recently opened its doors is Curves, at 826 Merrick Road, a fitness club for women that owner Lynn James-Gross said she hopes will become a magnet for women in town. "I hope we change women's lifestyles and their health," James-Gross said.
Curves offers women a more personal physical fitness regimen than those at large-scale fitness clubs. Along with more individualized attention provided by the staff, Curves' 30-minute, synchronized workout sessions, set to high-energy music, focus on cardiovascular and strength training. For women intimidated by weights and large gyms, Curves is the perfect alternative, James-Gross believes. "It totally changes your life," she said. "Not just physically, but mentally."
The sessions employ hydraulic exercise stations and other activities designed to work different parts of the body, which significantly reduces body fat and increases metabolism. And the atmosphere is comfortable. "It's a much more personal experience," James-Gross said.
There are 6,000 Curves locations throughout the U.S., with six in Queens, Brooklyn and the rest of Long Island operated by James-Gross, her two sisters and their mother. At one location, she said, a woman lost 25 pounds in three weeks. At the Baldwin Curves, after only one week, one member lost eight pounds, she said.
"Your self-esteem just jumps," James-Gross said.
Another new business won't do much to trim waistlines, but Legends Cafe, a new restaurant at 1002 Merrick Road, is seeking to fill a void in Baldwin as a hybrid cafe/restaurant serving Italian food in a sleek setting.
Formerly the Mojo cafe, which mainly served coffee, ice cream, pizza and pastries, the business has been reincarnated as an Italian-American restaurant and cafe, serving mainstream pasta dishes, hero sandwiches and entrees such as chicken Francese, while still offering pizza and an array of quality coffee, including cappuccino blends and espresso.
After five months of renovations, new owners Mary Hayes and Dorothy Vann, who are sisters, said the family-owned business aims to get involved in the community, explaining that they would like to join the Chamber of Commerce and sponsor sports teams, while pushing the restaurant's entrees and its free delivery.
"We want to be a commercial spot where people can enjoy coming with their families," Hayes said.
Other small businesses that have opened in recent months include two video game and electronic stores, WOW Entertainment Superstores and Gamezone. Another small business is set to open on Merrick Road in a few weeks, a tattoo parlor called Kustom Kulture Inc.
And while these smaller businesses are blooming, the construction of larger and more well known chains is under way as well. In addition to a KFC restaurant slated to open late this year or early in 2004 at the former Friendly's location on north Grand Avenue, a Walgreen's is slated to open in May of 2004 on the corner of Seaman and Grand avenues. Developer Larry Dileo had expected to have the roughly $3 million project completed this year, but a lengthy process of securing the necessary building permits, as well as the demolishing of six buildings, took more time than originally thought.
"Some tenants couldn't relocate as quickly as we had planned," Dileo said. But, he said, construction will proceed this week, and tenants and businesses, including his own, Beato Fuel, have successfully relocated.
Dileo will lease the 14,400-square-foot store to Walgreen's, which he said will beautify the area, which many considered an eyesore. "It's going to affect it aesthetically," he said.
Dileo countered arguments by some that there are too many large pharmacies in Baldwin by saying that many people prefer the quality of Walgreen's, while explaining that there isn't a Walgreen's store within three miles of Baldwin. The store would also create jobs, he said. "We think it's going to be exceptional," he said.
