High rise likely to replace thrift shop

From the Times Ledger:

A popular thrift shop in Astoria, which raises money for the rehabilitation of drug addicts and alcoholics, is closing next month and currently selling its inventory of restored furniture, antiques and clothing for 50 percent off.

Nook n’ Crannie, at 29-18 Ditmars Blvd., has operated as the principal ministry of Betel America Church of Astoria. Many of the residents of the church’s rehab center have worked at the store in the last seven years, doing furniture restoration and deliveries.

Betel of America opted to sell its property on 4th Street and move the entire operation to the Southeast, most likely to North Carolina or Virginia.

“The board of directors couldn’t say no to the money that land developers have offered for the property,” Executive Director David Tepper said. “Large parts of the riverfront are being sold off to developers. We love the neighborhood — they’ve been good to us — but it gets to the point where it’s a no-brainer with all the cash involved, especially considering what we do.”