Image via Google MapsGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

Astoria Key Food, located at 22-15 31st StGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028., will be permanently closing its doors this OctoberGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. 

Unlike recent business closures in the neighborhood, Key Food will not be closing due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but rather because of an ongoing redevelopment proposalGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. According to an article published by The Real Deal, lease negiotations between Man-Dell Food Stores and landlord Jenel Management came to a standstill, ultimately leading to the closureGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

Jenel Management reportedly plans to turn the two-story building into three stories, which would feature Target on the top two floors and space for a supermarket on the ground floorGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Man Dell Chief Administrative Officer Roseann Marabello-Rivera confirmed to The Real Deal that negotiations had been ongoing since 2018, but have no longer been active as of recentlyGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

All 151 employees who work at the Key Food location will be laid off; approximately 100 employees are members of the UFCW Local 1500, according to The Real DealGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.