Saying Goodbye To The Douglaston Market

It's not everyday that a business shuts down and the local community throws a farewell party to thank the store's owner and his staff.

But when Douglaston residents recently found out that the Douglaston Market was permanently closing its doors, they did just that.

Last night, the community paid homage to Diego von Schmeling, owner of the recently closed market, and his staff during an event at Strawberry's Sports Grill.

"Immediately after learning the [Douglaston] Market was going out of business, I began making phone calls, organizing tonight's event." said Dorothy Matinale, of , during the party for the recently closed market.

Douglaston residents who turned out last night to show their support for von Schmelin said he and his store will be sorely missed.

"For a long time, stopping by Diego's on the way into work was part of my morning routine," said Lee Sander, former head of New York City's Mass Transit Authority.

A morning meeting spot for many commuters, the Douglaston Market was a local hub for denizens of Douglaston to meet for coffee and conversation throughout the day. Its closure sent a shockwave through the community.

"With everyday that passes and with each store that closes, we see more and more reason to develop a master plan for the Village revisioning project," said Victor Dadras, a member of the Douglaston Little Neck Historical Society who has been working on a project to restore the area near Douglaston's Long Island Rail Road station.

"A place like the Douglaston Market isn't  just a place to grab a coffee in the morning," Dadras said. "They're also of tremendous civic value as well."

Dadras pointed out that the  got its start by meeting at the market.

Most everyone who attended Monday night's farewell party agreed that seeing the market close was a huge loss for the community.

"It's just really sad," said resident George Schmidt. "Diego was such a nice guy and the market was the place people would go and meet. I wish him well."

But for Von Schmeling, there are no regrets.

"I'm sad to close my shop," he said. "But the Douglaston community really embraced me and over the past 12 years, we've all grown to become like family. For that I am grateful."

Von Schmeling said he hopes one day to get a second chance to serve this family again.

"Let's hope!" he said.