Rite-Aid proposed at old Vix site
by JESSICA L. FINCH Associate Editor

The corner of North Forest and Maple roads is an eyesore, housing a vacant Vix Pharmacy.

When new developments are proposed, this vacant lot is often referred to as needing attention first. Residents against a Walgreens Pharmacy at Hopkins and Klein roads have said it should be built on the former Vix property instead.

Benderson Development Co., the owner of the land at 705 Maple Road, has released a plan to redevelop the site. That would include a Rite-Aid Pharmacy, with a drive through, and office space, both behind the existing Kwik Fill gas station.

The Rite-Aid would be 14,564 square feet and the office space, 31,035 square feet.

"The land is already properly zoned (general business) so there is no Town Board action," said Eric Recoon, a Benderson vice president.

He said the two companies, Benderson and Rite-Aid, have been working on a deal for some time.

He estimated that the site has been vacant for approximately five years.

To develop the land, the former Vix building would be torn down and new structures built. The parking and lighting would also have to be renovated.

"This would be a clear improvement to that corner," Recoon said.

The proposal was addressed at the Zoning Board of Appeals in January for variance requests involving off-street parking and interior landscaping. The plan was considered a Type 1 action per State Environmental Quality Review.

In this instance, the Type 1 action means the plan requires further review because of its proximity to Ellicott Creek.

ZBA Chairman Joseph Speth said the committee was waiting for Erie County to respond in regard to the Type 1 action. The committee was scheduled to revisit the request at its Tuesday meeting, after press time.

Planning Director Rick Gillert said the site plan had not been submitted to date.