Councilmember Daniel Dromm is pleased to learn the MTA is finally leasing the vacant retail space at the Jackson Heights Transit Hub.
A lease agreement has been signed with Famiglia-DeBartolo, LLC for the operation of a pizzeria/Italian restaurant at one of the street level spaces located at the 74th Street-Broadway/Roosevelt Avenue Station. Getting the MTA to lease the vacant space was one of the first issues Dromm addressed as a newly elected Council Member in 2009. Dromm demanded the MTA lease the vacant properties
to generate much needed revenue during the City’s economic crisis and avoid drastic service
cuts. Since the station was refurbished in 2005, the MTA has inexplicably missed out on a
significant source of income. “The MTA had neglected the gateway to our community for far too long,” Dromm said. “I am delighted the MTA has finally taken steps towards leasing the empty storefronts at the 74th Street/Roosevelt Avenue station. Having these spaces filled will not only generate badly needed revenue for the MTA but it will also have an enormous impact on the economic
development of our neighborhood and improve our residential quality of life.”
In December 2010, after many failed attempts, the MTA advertised a new request for proposals
(RFP). A total of 13 proposals were received in response. The highest proposal received was
from Famous Famiglia Famous Famiglia proposes to operate a pizzeria with a full line of pizza pasta, salads,
sandwiches , wraps and beverages.  It  also proposes to provide a breakfast menu and operate 24 hours a day at this centrally located space.