Quoted from GrahamBonnet

I am more interested in the library expansion and rebuilding that "Judy" promised. When will that happen????

Probably when pigs fly.

Quoted from Kevin March

Rene, For those not so up on things, where in Duanesburg is this planned for?  I assume somewhere near I-88 Exit 24?  Western Turnpike is Rt 20, and it goes the entire length of Duanesburg.  Glad you are going to get some development out there, just hope that Duanesburg is able to keep it's "small-town" feel.  I think it would be if this was at the outskirts of town, maybe even on 20 the opposite side of I-88 from the 7 & 20 intersection.

Intersection  of Rt 20 & 30 ... there's a good size lot that they have (7 acres)

Quoted Text

DUANESBURG
Grocer wants to put store in town
Hannaford has eye on parcel
BY JUSTIN MASON Gazette Reporter

    Duanesburg could soon see its first major grocery store.
    Officials from the Maine-based Hannaford Supermarkets announced Thursday that they plan to open a 35,000-square-foot store on seven acres of farm land off Route 20 near the intersection with Route 30. If approved by the town Planning Board, the market would become the nearest major grocery store for Duanesburg residents, who now drive miles to Amsterdam, Rotterdam or Cobleskill.
    “They’re all the same difference,” said Town Board member Phil Carlson at the planning meeting Thursday to hear the company’s proposal. “They’re all 13 to 15 miles away, every one of them.”
    Preliminary plans for the new market include a full-service pharmacy with drive-through, plus all of the normal supermarket amenities such as a butcher shop, produce and seafood departments, a bakery and a deli. The store will employ up to 100 people, with a third of those jobs full-time.
    “We’ve been keeping an eye on this place for some time,” said Mitch Feeney, a Hannaford real estate representative. “We think the area is underserved.”
    For years, large grocery chains have shunned the town because of the lack of population and layout. However, Feeney said Hannaford is now developing smaller stores called “tweener” sites to fill gaps in market coverage.
    “With the smaller prototype, it opens up the market,” he said.
    In comparison, the Hannaford location in Guilderland has about 45,000 square feet, while another in Albany is about 84,000 square feet. Doug Boyce, an engineer with Hannaford, said a similar store was constructed in Milton in Saratoga County several years ago.
“This is the smallest prototype we have,” he said.
Based in Maine, Hannaford operates 167 stores in five states in the Northeast. The proposed Duanesburg location would join 43 others in New York.
Site plans include 176 parking spaces and a wastewater treatment plant. The project also includes a 100-square-foot sign in front.
    Chris Schneck and Bill Feinstein of Ventura-Duanesburg LLC are developing the project. Schneck said plans include other comercial building for the property, which encompasses 58 acres off the ........http://www.dailygazette.net/De.....amp;EntityId=Ar01100

I always wondered why Price Chopper never thought of setting up business in that area? The Golub's are pretty savoy business people. If there was money to be made...they'd be there.

But I'm happy for the residents in that area. I just hope that Duanesburg has a solid comp plan in place. Cause there is plenty of land out there for the taking and quicker than you can say 'moo', there will be a Wal-Mart 'something' at their door step.

Despite the likelihood of greater vehicular (car and truck) traffic through the area in which I live, I am
pleased with the prospect of a grocery store and several other future businesses locating in Duanesburg.  Growth is good provided that there is a master plan that addresses zoning, traffic flow, etc.  A town plan
was developed several years ago for the town.

I have several concerns with the development at that intersection.  The most important is that the location is at the bottom of a considerable hill on Route 20 just before entering into Esperance in Schoharie County.  The intersection of Routes 20 and 30 has seen its share of accidents.  The speed of the roads in that area is 55 mph.  I am hopeful that the road will be widened at that intersection to permit the installation of turning lanes.  Traffic entering and exiting the shopping area must have sufficient area to exit the roadway.  Further the increase in truck traffic coming through the intersection at 55 mph is a concern.  The approval for development should include a lowering of the speed limit within a mile or so of the location.

There are also concerns about water supply and sewage.  I am pleased that the proposed plan includes a sewage treatment facility.  As there is no public water, I assume that the developer will drill one or more
wells to supply water to the businesses.  I don't know the quantity of water that will be consumed by the commercial businesses or how the consumption by the businesses will impact surrounding homeowners.

I am confident that the concerns of Duanesburg town residents will be considered and addressed.  The town needs the convenience of a grocery store, the jobs that will result (though most will be minimum wage), and the property tax revenues.  The location of a Hannaford in Duanesburg will, no doubt, impact the family owned businesses (butcher store, bulk foods store and deli) and the several Stewart's (including the one that is located at the intersection). I am glad that the Hannaford will include a pharmacy.  I look forward to future businesses offering video rental, hardware store, and a dry cleaner.

Rene, I have one question to ask ... Is Metroplex funding behind this project?

I wonder if we could get an Uncle Sam's Candy in this new retail area of Duanesburg?  In the past several days, I ordered ~10 lbs of chocolates for Christmas Gifts.  I am soooo tempted to unwrap one of the boxes of
butter crunch and "sample" a few pieces (though I've experienced the confection often before)  I sent several pounds of candy to my brother and his family in Tennesee.

I only hope that those with who I exchange gifts this year will have the same good "taste" in gifts that I do.  (hint, hint)

I wonder if we could get an Uncle Sam's Candy in this new retail area of Duanesburg?  In the past several days, I ordered ~10 lbs of chocolates for Christmas Gifts.  I am soooo tempted to unwrap one of the boxes of
butter crunch and "sample" a few pieces (though I've experienced the confection often before)  I sent several pounds of candy to my brother and his family in Tennesee.

I only hope that those with who I exchange gifts this year will have the same good "taste" in gifts that I do.  (hint, hint)

The lot is just west of the Route #20/30 intersection on Route #20.  It is a 58 acre parcel.  They have spoken with Lawrence Water Wells and dug some test pits.  They will have a private waste water treatment plant on site.  A fire pond and Storm water protection pond on site.  They are working with DOT to address the road concerns along with Army Corps. and DEC on wetland issues and protection of the Schoharie Creek.  There is no Metroplex funding that I am aware of nor are there any PILOT plans in the offing that I'm aware of at this point.

There is nothing wrong or dishonorable with working for minimum wage or minimum wage jobs.  Many people do it and survive.  Just ask me!!

We will have to talk to Joe about the prospect of an Uncle Sams.  I too worry about our local shops.  I will continue to get my meat at Boltons.  Sals has survived just fine surrounded by supermarkets.  I will continue to get my lunchmeat and other treats at the Deli on Route 20.  I will continue to get my milk from Stewarts.  Those are all items I don't buy at Price Chopper or Hannaford anyway.

Quoted Text

There is nothing wrong or dishonorable with working for minimum wage or minimum wage jobs.  Many people do it and survive.  Just ask me!!

Rene,

Not sure where you read in my post any incinuation that there is dishonor or incorrectness in accepting a
job paying minimum wage.  A job is a job.  However, we need high paying career positions in New York State, Schenectady County, and, yes, even in Duanesburg.  Such positions would increase the standard of living for all of our residents.  People should not be judged by the jobs that they hold or on their income.  Increased household income, however, may improve quality of life.  Money can't buy happiness, but it is a good down payment.  

Sounds like all of the issues of concern (to me) are being considered. Do we have an estimate of a target date for construction and opening of store?

If they can get Army Corps approval and town approvals they want to break ground in April and complete construction seven to nine months later.  

Quoted from 47

I know what you mean and I think it is probably a little bit of all of the above.  I've said it before.....be careful what you ask for, but this is too good to resist.  In 45 years that I've lived here I have heard friends, foe, and all others say "If only we had a supermarket" or "When will we ever get a market?"  That is long before I ever had any idea I would be Supervisor of the town as well as during the time I've been Supervisor.  

We are never satisfied and our appetites/wants always drive us.....we are Pioneering Americans and Duanesburg is the last frontier...

Do you still have that sign on rte 7.....

No, the guy who owns the property took it down and gave it to me.  No one wanted it hanging in Town Hall so I took it home and it's been beating around in my garage.  I just gave it back to the guy who made it to have it refurbished, I think he wants to hang it back out where it was.  It's between him and the landowner.

I always liked that sign......

Me too