UPDATE 9/12/16: We were fortunate to hear from the Eliniki folks about the future of their much beloved produce market. Here’s what they had to say:

It is true that we have submitted plans to rebuild the property (since we have owned it for over 35 years we think it’s time to make some changes). Once our construction has been completed we plan on reintroducing a renovated and state of the art fruit market with deli, fresh organic produce, juice bar and the works. We pride ourselves on having exclusive relationships with top Long Island farmers and bring fresh organic produce on a daily basis. As a small business that has been in the heart of Astoria for almost 40 years, we believe in community and see our patrons as family. We’ll be back!

Have you heard the news? The Queens Gazette reports that much beloved Astoria produce market, Eliniki Agora, may leave its space on 30th Avenue. The owner of that location, 32-12 30th Avenue, filed paperwork to build new three-story, mixed use building on that site; currently the plan has been Disapproved, but that doesn’t mean the development won’t go through.

The full square footage will increase to 5,586 and become three stories as opposed to the single story building it is now. There will be two residential units, one on each floor, according to the DOB. There will also be 2,358 square feet of commercial space, which could theoretically hold the produce market, but according to the Gazette, “a store manager said it is unclear if the market would return to the location when the new construction is completed.”

If anything represents the identity of Astoria, is the two produce markets on 30th Avenue (United Brothers being the other). Long time Astorian, Zora O’Neill, declared her love of Eliniki and the 24-hour produce markets in a previous interview on this site, saying, “Every time I go shopping I think, ‘I’m living the dream!’” These markets are definitely an aspect of Astoria living that residents love to brag about.

How about you? How do you feel about the idea that Eliniki could disappear? Do you shop there? Is this a harbinger of doom or a positive development? Leave us a comment with your thoughts.

30th Avenue Fruit Market To Close [Queens Gazette]