By Carol Tannenhauser
We were supremely confident when we received the email and photo from tipster Tom on Friday, saying, “New Pioneer sign being installed this am…does not appear to be neon.” As we punched in Pioneer’s number, we were sure the manager we reached would tell us that the sign is temporary, until the 45-year-old neon one that was removed on March 15 is repaired. That’s what we were told when we first reported the story.
But no, the manager said, “That’s the final sign.”
“What happened to the neon?” we asked, accusingly, as if he were responsible for this outcome. “They were going to repair it.”
“Lady,” he replied. “That’s all I know. It’s the final sign. Call back at noon and talk to the management.”
“Who…?” we began, but he hung up.”
We turned to our tipster for further information. Tom emailed back, “Spoke to the manager after I snapped the picture. He said the sign is LED, and that it was really hard to find someone to repair the old neon sign and a new one is super expensive.”
We’ll update when we reach the management.
Update, 2:25 pm: It’s not a new sign! it’s the old sign! “They just put a waterproof cover over the letters, because they shorted out everytime it rained,” said Adam, the afternoon manager. It is his understanding that “the neon is underneath.”
Neon or LED? We’ll let you know what the night manager says. Or you can take a look for yourself. “It’ll go on when it gets dark,” Adam said.
Let us know!
I know Landmarks has lots of arcane rules about signage…surprised this didn’t become an issue with them given that the building is in a Landmarks district. Then again, it is true that it’s really hard to repair old neon signs.
Actually, I don’t see a permit for replacing the sign at all. I’m not an expert on this, but given that this property is in a Landmarks district shouldn’t there be a permit to replace with this type of illuminated sign?
https://www.nyc.gov/assets/lpc/downloads/pdf/LPCPermitGuidebook_Chapter5_Signage.pdf
This would have never happened under Lee Zeldin
This has nothing to do with the governor. With Lee Zeldin we’d have young women dying from coat hanger abortions. Way way worse!
ah, hysterics.
Well now that stinks! Neon adds a certain nostalgic charm to the neighborhood. This person is incorrect, you can find craftsmen that work in neon restoration. Look at the Hi-Life Bar & Grill and Dublin House signage. Both newly restored. I bet if Pioneer put out a collection jar or started a “go fund me” to help with the renovation costs, neighbors would have chipped in. I’m disappointed. Just another “blah” sign up there. No character. It says a lot about the business.
Just the fact that Pioneer is still here adds all the nostalgic charm one could hope for!!!It’s a miracle and a blessing to have it. Fairway has become a dump and Trader Joe’s vertical design and check-out lines blocking access to products makes it difficult to shop. The only well-run clean friendly food store is Citarella but it is expensive and is not (nor is it meant to be) a grocery store. Pioneer is a champion. Well organized, extremely helpful employees/managers, well stocked. Some of the prices are high, but that is true everywhere.
Help with reno costs? Pioneer?
Considering the very overpriced mdse
they could easily afford. it. Plus they own the bldg. no shortage of money here.
It’s not for you to decide what a business can afford. What do you know about their financial situation or operating costs of that building?
True, the old sign had some retro charm, and it’s a shame to see it go, but come on people. I don’t think we need to burden a local small business with silly large expenses for the sake of our own nostalgia–seems like a good way to make sure all our local shops are replaced with corporate chains.
Really people? THIS is what upsets you?
There is a tradition of neon signage in NYC. There are even books published about this. Some of us are in tune with, and care about signage for many reasons- it can be very beautiful, it’s emblematic of the city in general, and there are fewer original or vintage examples left in the city. Is it life or death? No, of course not. But to some people. not to mention cit y historians, it does matter.
A diversion from everything else is welcome.
They put up a sign that they can afford. Why not just support them and not complain and attack them? It’s a sign. Dublin House restored their neon sign because they had to. That sign is a big part of their identity and the same goes for Hi -Life and their neon sign.
For many years I’ve been around the Neon sign business and I even trained in neon tube bending. I helped build a neon studio along with my friend who was the top neon tube bender in NYC. I love neon and I would love to see a brand new Pioneer neon sign but I say let’s support our local businesses and not walk around angry all day. Thank you neighbors.
As long as Pioneer is replacing its neon sign they should also replace – or at least scrub – that dingy awning.
There are so many grimy awnings on mom & pop shops and other businesses on the UWS. This must contribute to so many businesses closing.
The neighborhood would look so much nicer if businesses owners took care of their storefronts.
THE Phenominal thing about Pioneer is that it is HERE!
So many parts of Manhattan one has to walk great distances for groceries. It’s a tough, low margin, labor intensive business.
Then . . . subject to nitpicking too.
I consider having the Pioneer handy, even with the bonus of Fairway, Trader Joe, etc. not far away a Major convenience, almost luxury in this city. And, now with it open Sundays as of recent years, that’s even greater.
Pity the ‘poor’ folks on Fifth, Madison or Park Avenue with no grocery store handy for that last minute item, quart of milk for morning coffee, etc. that their maid forgot . . .
Having Pioneer handy, regardless of signage, makes us UWSers a lucky bunch!
PITY THE “POOR FOLKS” ON FIFTH, MADISON, OR PARK AVENUES? VERY FUNNY. THEY CAN AFFORD TO SEND THEIR SERVANTS TO WHEREVER THERE ARE GROCERIES, OR ORDER AND PAY TO HAVE THEM SENT.
There are so many more important items to worry about.
Today Pioneer’s meat department shone like a beacon out of the depressing darkness of industrial fake food. Better than Fairway: turkey legs, turkey thighs, rib lamb chops, round-bone lamb chops, baby back ribs, Cook’s shank hams at $1.99/lb, beef shank, whole leg of lamb… All REAL FOOD, not factory packaged processed “products” covered with corporate full-color labels.
Guys, it’s just *barely* possible that WSR uses hyperbole for humorous effect in chronicling the small doings of the neighborhood. Maybe.
Those of us who’ve lived in the neighborhood for many years are inordinately fond of Pioneer. Lovely cashiers with fabulous accents who always make you feel good. A terrific assortment of everything you could possibly need for practically any meal. Groceries at both the low and high price points to appeal to any budget. Improved store lighting and aisle organization to help us get in and out as fast as possible. And long-tenured employees that we look forward to seeing and who keep a sharp eye on the store. So no hyperbole here.
much ado
Looks like lights (uneven ones) in a box, so not LED. Hard to tell if the boxes contain neon tubes. Have to check again.