Red Lobster locations in Lower Hudson close, more on Mamaroneck: This Week in Real Estate

It's Friday, and that means it's time to talk your Week in Real Estate. From the latest on affordable housing issues in Mamaroneck to a rash of "going out of business" announcements, we've had quite the week. Read on for this week's features, as well as some stories you may have missed from the week before.

Locals gear up to talk affordable housing in Mamaroneck Village

The affordable housing conversation in Mamaroneck Village continues as we gear up for a community meeting slated for next week on the issue. Two sessions are planned, one on May 22 and the other on May 23, to answer more than 900 questions on the proposed Hunter Tier lot conversion and other housing issues.

Learn more about the meeting in community outreach reporter Samantha Antrum's story here, and catch up on the details in Michael P. McKinney's story from last week on the petition against more affordable housing in Mamaroneck Village.

Read the story:Hunter Tier Lot, affordable housing to be discussed at Mamaroneck Village meetings

In case you missed it:Petition in Mamaroneck village opposes Hunter Tier affordable housing proposal

What apartments are available in Lower Hudson for $3,275?

While the affordable housing supply continues to be a talking point in Mamaroneck Village, there doesn't seem to be a shortage when it comes to upscale apartments across the region. If you've got more than $3,000 a month to spend on rent, you're in luck.

Mike McKinney's monthly feature on rentals in the Lower Hudson Valley takes a look at apartments in New Rochelle, White Plains, Yonkers and other areas. Subscribers can read the story here.

For Subscribers:What does about $3,275 a month rent get you in Westchester and Rockland? Have a look

Businesses shutter, national franchises close suddenly in Lower Hudson

This week was all about big brands announcing closures, some without warning.

Earlier this week, locals woke up to the news that Red Lobster had suddenly closed its locations in Nanuet and Scarsdale. Not too long after, we reported that Applebee's is planning to end the year with fewer restaurants, although they did not say which locations could potentially close. Next, we found out that Rite Aid would be closing select locations in the Bronx, Brooklyn and out on Long Island.

Local businesses are no exception to the rash of closings. The Harrison Market space was under renovation and was slated to be closed permanently Wednesday. Several local restaurants have also been shutting down; the latest, the Rye House in Port Chester, is set to close May 19.

Of interest:Shake Shack to open its fourth location in Westchester. Find out where

But it wasn't all glum, as there's lots of new coming to the Lower Hudson. The revival of Babies R Us is slated to open at area Kohl's locations, and another Shake Shack is coming to what was once the PF Chang's location in Yonkers. And of course, there's always something new happening in the local restaurant scene (follow Food and Dining reporter Jeanne Muchnick for the latest).

With the smattering of business closings and openings, we're eyeing commercial listings. As of May 16, commercial listings in Westchester County numbered more than 500, including retail, office and restaurant spaces up for lease, according to LoopNet (there were even more on Crexi — try 700+). In Rockland, the number was far lower at 124 listings on LoopNet, and there were 31 spaces available for lease in Putnam.

With so many commercial spaces available, all of which have a wide variety of potential uses, one can only wonder what's next for the Lower Hudson Valley business scene.

Last Week in Real Estate:All eyes on Mamaroneck, village and town

Contact the lohud Growth and Development team

• Have a question for a Realtor? Email Growth and Development reporter Helu Wang (hwang@lohud.com).
• Have a tip on a unique listing? Reach out to Growth and Development reporter Michael P. McKinney (mmckinney@lohud.com).
• Ashley Fontones is the Emerging Audiences Editor at The Journal News and lohud.com. Got an idea for a poll or a story? Email her at afontones@lohud.com.

This column is going to take a break next week for the Memorial Day Holiday, but we will be back May 31 with the latest on the Lower Hudson Valley Real Estate scene. Stay tuned.