Jackson Heights Life

We've been ordering from there more and more--the food is delicious! Last night we had the appetizer plate (hummus, falafel, etc), the Cornish hen, and the salmon platter. Really excellent and reasonably priced!

This piece is illuminating regarding the reasons so many landlords leave commercial spaces empty rather than lowering the rent.
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/29/opinion/coronavirus-small-business-rent.html

What is with that medical clinic that replaced the former women's clothing store on the south side of 37th Avenue between 79th and 80th Sts? I think the name is Centro Medico? They advertise opening hours every day of the week and all medical specialties available. There is a waiting room and reception desk. There is even a coffeemaker, I believe with a container of Coffee Mate next to it, a thoughtful touch. I have never seen a soul inside, and it's been there quite a long time.

It occurs to me that an interesting idea for a podcast series would be "37th Avenue." Each episode would center on one business along 37th Ave, recounting the stories of the owners, the history of the business—whatever interesting story emerges from interviewing the owners, and I am sure there are many interesting stories—and in the case of mystery storefronts: what gives?

Episode 1: Swim Two Birds! (Any podcast producers out there? I actually think this is a viable idea, as it relates to the big box/corporate vs disappearing mom-and-pop stores controversy, inspiring immigrant success stories, rapacious landlords pillaging the NYC retail landscape, etc.)

...and this is its kitchen:
https://streeteasy.com/building/37_49-81st-street-queens/7a?similar=1

Is this not unbelievable? This is a studio apartment sized kitchen. Who would design an apartment like this?

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/12/11/nyregion/311-nyc-store-sign-fines.html

Could this be the reason why the stores on 37th Ave near 76th St now have printed banners instead of their former signs?

There is paper obscuring the windows and no explanatory sign.

https://streeteasy.com/building/79_15-35-avenue-jackson_heights/6g

We bought an un-renovated Hawthorne Ct apartment in 2011 that was in pretty good, fairly original shape, and we only made a few, mostly cosmetic improvements (paint, new kitchen appliances, backsplash, kitchen floor, new light fixtures, new window coverings, new showerheads and bathroom cabinets).

Since then, our kitchen and big bathroom have aged even more, of course, and now we are thinking of doing a real renovation on those two rooms. However, we are not sure we will be staying here long-term, and we are wondering if we should spend the money renovating. If we do move, it likely won't be for a few more years at least.

The question is: do you really get the money back when you sell? How many potential buyers want an apartment that needs very little updating vs how many would rather buy an apartment that has not been recently renovated, so they can renovate to their own taste? I know I have spoken to people who had the latter preference and said they did not want to buy someone else's renovation and did not want to rip out a recent renovation because they didn't like it.

Basically, we are wondering if it would be worth it, on the resale, or if we'd be better off just living with the present condition of the rooms till we have a better idea if we will move in the next few years or stay. We'd love a new kitchen and bath--but it's a lot of money. In our former building, though, we recall that some people were unable to sell until they renovated their very old kitchens. But that was in a worse market....

Anyone have thoughts on this?