Following Zoning Problems, Vaquita Cheese On Foster Closes Down

After over a decade of making cheese in Ditmas Park, Vaquita Cheese (1307 Foster Avenue between Rugby and Argyle Roads) has shut its doors.

The closing follows a several-months-long SeeClickFix campaign and comment thread about noisy early morning deliveries and unsafe conditions, culminating with a representative of Community Board 14 confirming that the address was improperly zoned for, as neighbors described the space, a factory operation. The community board says:

The ground floor unit of 1307 Foster is zoned for a store only, with residential units above. A factory or any manufacturing activities are not permitted at this location. All manufacturing activity must cease by 11/30/13 and any business done at the location must be related to retail activities only.

The Department of Buildings‘ stipulation, above, was handed down at a mid-September hearing on the issue. Because Vaquita was unable to comply, the space is now for rent for an actual retail tenant. Interested parties can call Kaloshi Realty at 718-287-5200.

Are you sad to see your beloved queso Oaxaca and queso fresco go, or do you agree with the comments on SeeClickFix and feel relieved about the outcome?