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BONITA SPRINGS — Q: Do you have any idea what’s going on with that condo project called The Carlyle behind Mel’s Diner in Bonita? It looks finished, but its been empty for more than a year now.

Deborah Carey, Bonita Springs

A: The Carlyle just looks empty, Deborah, but it’s really the slow housing market.

The developer of the five-story, two-building housing complex — aptly named Carlyle Development, LLC — finished construction in November, but only 15 of the 60 units have been sold.

The place looks abandoned because of the 15 sold units, only six are occupied and only one is occupied on a year-round basis. However, a few more of the sold units are ready to rent out, so you should see some more activity at the complex in the coming months.

Realtor Mickey Gifford, one of three real estate agents selling the property, said the sale of the units has been extremely slow. The last one closed in January.

The real estate agents have opened up a furnished model to hopefully speed up the sales on the three-bedroom, 1,700 square foot units, but it could be some time before The Carlyle is bustling with activity. All the units come with all appliances and are ready for residents, expect for a couple homes that still need flooring, but there’s no rush as plenty of others are available.

Q: Wanted to know if you have any information on Frankie and Johnny’s (mom and pop pizza/pasta) restaurant closing? It was off U.S. 41 and Old 41 Road in Bonita Springs in the Publix plaza.

Stella

A: Unfortunately, Stella, there’s not much I can give you officially except that all signs point to its closing.

Anyone who has visited the pizzeria the last four months knows there has been a sign posted on the door saying the place will be closed from April 28 to May 26 for vacation.

While businesses — especially mom and pop ones — do go on vacation, lately in Southwest Florida, vacation means closing. It also doesn’t bode well that it is almost three months after the May 26 reopening date, and the business remains closed.

Anyone who has called the Frankie & Johnny’s Pizza phone number of (239) 949-2125 knows that it is no longer in service. Typically, businesses will keep their phone numbers active if they’re closed for only a month. Even if the business moves locations, it will keep the phone number.

This, too, doesn’t bode well, Stella.

However, I’ve failed to get in contact with the owners of Frankie & Johnny’s or the owners of the property, so the restaurant could possibly open back up one day.

All the furniture in the restaurant is still there, as are the signs and cooking equipment, so there is at least a glimmer of hope for all those who liked Frankie & Johnny’s Pizza.

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Brad Kane is resigning from the Daily News on Sept. 1, and the Aug. 29 In the Know will be his last. E-mail any In the Know questions to Collier County columnist Tim Aten at intheknow@naplesnews.com.