BY SCOTT STIFFLER | The collective blood pressure of West Chelsea nearly saw a nasty spike last year, when word came that New London Pharmacy would be leaving its longtime Eighth Ave. location. Thankfully, the news arrived with assurances that the storied source of health and wellness goods would be moving a mere half-block around the corner, to a ground floor space situated across the street from the Chelsea Hotel.

That new location—241 West 23rd Street between Seventh and Eighth Aves.—falls within the coverage area of the 200 W23W24 Street Block Association. To celebrate the new arrival, BA President Thuy Pham, VP Michele Zalopany, and Treasurer Leslie Schneider organized June 26’s Grand Opening event, to which the public at large was cordially invited to schmooze and peruse, while enjoying Korean BBQ wings and Cauliflower bites from Urban Vegan Kitchen, Pasta giveaway and discount coupon from Pasta di Martino, macaroons, Greek desserts, and Matcha coffee.

Opening remarks came in the form of words that served to bless the business—spoken by Father John Lardas (Presiding Priest, Archangel Michael Greek Orthodox Church, Port Washington, NY) and Rev. Dr. Protopresbyter Nicolas Kazarian, of nearby St. Eleftherios Greek Orthodox Church.

The spacious front section of the pharmacy’s new digs brimmed with a capacity crowd of well-wishers, their ranks touching up against long, lean, aisles packed with everything from first aid and fragrances to bed, bath, and beauty supplies. As with the former location’s layout, those who stop in to pick up prescriptions might find themselves walking out with more than just what the doctor ordered.

New York State Senator Erik Bottcher can tell you a thing or two about that. “It’s a double-edged sword here at New London,” he told the crowd, “because you have such amazing stuff. Every time I come to get prescriptions, I leave with more candles.”

NYS Assemblymember Tony Simone and NYC Council Member Carl Wilson both spoke about New London as an embedded element of the community, whose loyal customer base has been earned over time.

Manhattan Borough President (MBP) Brad Hoylman-Sigal presented New London Pharmacy owner Abby Fazio with a framed Proclamation that declared it to be “New London Pharmacy Appreciation Day” in the Borough of Manhattan. The Proclamation text reads, in part:

Whereas: New London Pharmacy has been a trusted and valued institution in the Chelsea community since its founding in 1960, serving generations of residents with dedication, professionalism, and a commitment to quality health care; and

Whereas: under the leadership of husband-and-wife team John and Abby Fazio, both licensed pharmacists who have been affiliated with New London Pharmacy since 1977, the pharmacy has continued to uphold a tradition of personalized care and exceptional service to its customers; and

Whereas: for more than six decades, New London Pharmacy has remained a neighborhood cornerstone, providing compassionate care, trusted expertise, and a lasting contribution to the health and well-being of the Chelsea community;

After a ceremonial ribbon cutting Abby Fazio—moved by the MBP’s unexpected honor as well as other speakers who invoked her late husband John—told the assembled, “The main reason I needed to be around the corner, as close as I can be [to the old location] is for the patients. I vowed to all of them that I would reopen the store and carry on for as long as I can.” Speaking with Chelsea Community News by phone several days after the Grand Opening, Fazio noted the floor plan allows for extra room just beyond the entrance and at the pharmacy area in the back. “Creating this new space reflects how we are today,” she said, “and how we want to serve Chelsea for years to come.”

New London Pharmacy

241 West 23rd Street (btw. 7th & 8th Aves.)

Phone: 212-243-4987

Website: www.newlondonpharmacy.com 

Open Mon-Fri, 8:30am-7:30pm / Sat, 9am-7:30pm / Sun, 10am-6:30pm

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