Walgreen's ready to move to next phase with planning board OK
by JESSICA L. FINCH Associate Editor

Proposed development at an already-busy intersection has once again come before the Planning Board.

This time the board voted "yes," recommending the rezoning of 501 and 545 West Klein Road and 804 Hopkins Road, which are earmarked by Arista Development for a new Walgreen's Pharmacy.

The slim-margin vote, 4-3, was taken on Oct. 18 following a public hearing during the Planning Board's monthly meeting.

The developer is requesting that 1.6 acres of land be rezoned from Motor Service Development (MS) and Neighborhood Business District (NB) to General Business (GB).

Attorney Jeff Palumbo of Damon & Morey LLP said the developer has not yet requested a public hearing date with the Town Board.

"The project requires the Town Board to rezone all three parcels and the Planning Board to approve the site plan," he said.

According to Palumbo, the developer already has the Mobil Gas Station, Say Cheese Pizzeria and Vinsan Spa and Salon under contract for purchasing the parcels.

The current plan calls for a 14,500-square-foot Walgreen's Pharmacy after demolition of the businesses on those parcels.

"We think it's an excellent spot for a Walgreen's Pharmacy," Palumbo said. "The existing plaza is already next door - the customers are there, so we don't think this will generate new traffic."

Others don't agree. A petition has been circulated in the Hopkins/Klein area, opposing the development of a new pharmacy.

Mike Rossi, a pharmacist at Family Medical Pharmacy, said the area doesn't need another pharmacy with two Rite-Aids within a mile of the intersection.

"The congestion and traffic in the area are unbearable in the morning and after work," he said, adding the addition of the Walgreen's would be disastrous.

To date, 500 signatures have been collected, he said, adding they haven't had much warning about the proposed project.

"We were notified Saturday there would be a hearing on Thursday," he said.

Rossi said his partner, Dennis Galluzzo, residents from the surrounding neighborhoods and customers from the plaza spoke against the Walgreen's.

"We are against the traffic the 'big box' development on the corner would generate," Rossi said, adding the area is made up of neighborhoods and isn't a main thoroughfare, such as Transit Road or Sheridan Drive.