Douglaston supermarket variance clears CB11

Community Board 11 has approved an expansion for a proposed high−end supermarket in Douglaston that would allow the project to begin construction along 61st Avenue early next year and open by 2010.

The board voted unanimously in favor of a variance Monday that would pave the way for Fairway Market to add 10 square feet to its proposed supermarket at 242−02 61st Ave. in the Douglaston Plaza Shopping Center, where a Waldbaum’s chain store currently operates. Waldbaum’s lease expires in 2010, CB 11 District Manager Susan Seinfeld said.

The shopping center had previously applied to replace Waldbaum’s with a Best Buy electronics store, but the community had contended it would be better served by a supermarket. Douglaston residents at the board’s meeting called on its members to approve Fairway’s variance.

CB 11 gives approval for Fairway expansion