Parts of popular Flushing mall reopen after addressing COVID violations

Photo via NYC Go

By David Brand

A supermarket, pharmacy and a handful of retail shops inside the New World Mall in Flushing reopened late-Thursday after building owners addressed COVID-violations cited by the Department of Buildings.

The DOB had issued a vacate order at the popular four-story mall Wednesday after observing crowds in mall common areas. Investigators also issued summonses for COVID violations on July 15 and 29, according to tickets reviewed by the Eagle.

The J Mart supermarket and adjacent pharmacy were permitted to reopen after the DOB approved a plan submitted by New World Mall owners. The property owners did not respond to requests for comment.

Restaurants inside the mall, famous for its vast Asian food court, are also allowed to reopen for delivery, the city said.

Councilmember Peter Koo called the agreement to reopen essential businesses in the mall “great news” for Flushing residents.

“Both Department of Buildings and New World Mall acted quickly to address the safety and social distancing concerns at this popular downtown Flushing location,” Koo said. 

The city shut down the entire mall Wednesday afternoon after observing a series of COVID-related violations. Under new state public health regulations, malls cannot open common areas to shoppers. Only businesses with exits that lead directly outside are allowed to remain open. 

“Limiting crowded in enclosed spaces in our city is a critical measure in preventing the spread of COVID-19, and protecting the health of our fellow New Yorkers,” DOB spokesperson Andrew Rudansky told the Eagle Thursday. “We closed the mall after we found that the owners were putting the public at risk by ignoring New York’s state and local health regulations for indoor shopping malls.”