Who’s got the power?

1) Starbucks is coming to LIC. (deep sigh - c’mon we knew it was inevitable) One spot is the Eastcoast building, the other is an undisclosed location somewhere in Vernon/Jackson. We will keep you updated on that one fa sho.

2) The Zipper Building is not owned by Toll Brothers. We were misinformed. And strangely so, since the tipster was a Toll-er. Hmmm. Won’t be trusting that source again. Anyway, it’s a private owner (we could give you the property report page, but it’s boring) - the buzz is he’s holding for $20M. In the face of the July 2008 421-a expiration, we think that might be a long shot, but building owners in LIC (and NYC) can definitely be described as tenacious.

3) Trump’s son coming to Queens Plaza? Very random and vague tip about the progeny and a few partners from Long Island in contract on a conversion property on Jackson. Hmmm.

4) Stay tuned for some updates on the mystery dev located on Thompson & Purves, right near the Arris Lofts. Between Arris, the Purves siblings…there’s another condo building coming. Will they get the foundation poured by July 2008? Inquiring minds want to know.

5) The Powerhouse is looking nice, no?

The Echelon & Manhattan Skyline from Hunters Point, LIC

What? No Starbucks? According to the Racked article, there’s no reason cited for the deal dying, except speculation that Starbucks is limiting their ‘outer borough’ presence. Poor Queenswest. The little engine that couldn’t. Well, hopefully the Amish Market will come through someday. And the Duane Reade. In the meantime, QW’ers will just have to truck it all the way to Vernon for some local coffee, which is not half bad. In fact, some of it is darned good. We don’t even need or want a Starbucks - well not all of us. I know some were waiting for the chain, cigarettes and jitters in hand.

• CRIPPLING: Long Island City Denied S’bux [Racked]

• Powerhouses to the people [NY Times]

Faces on 5pointz Studios, Courthouse Sq, Long Island City

1) We all know that Starbucks killed the deal they had with Rockrose, but there was ANOTHER potential Starbucks in the works. Quietly slated to be at 10-50 Jackson, that deal is now dead too. Seems Starbucks is not ready for Long Island City, or vice versa. And no one’s crying.

2) Duane Reade and Amish Market in Rockrose #2 are confirmed for June 2008 opening. Excited and perhaps slightly wilted Queenswesters are standing by.

3) 2626 Jackson, aka Corner of Purves is back on track, after a few months of work stoppage. Scarano marches on in Courthouse Sq.

4) Gristedes (gasp! a grocery store!) is set to open in the Arris Lofts in April/May 2008.

5) The United Nations move of 2,600 workers to the UN Federal Credit Union building in Courthouse Square is on track for April/May. Get ready for the influx!

After two failed attempts, Starbucks is finally coming to Long Island City, and it’s going exactly where it belongs: the lobby of the Citibank tower. woohoo.

However, if your coffee sensibilities desire a more local and community brew »