DOBBS FERRY, N.Y. -- Walgreens is one step closer to becoming a reality in Dobbs Ferry after its site plan was approved by the Village Board of Trustees Tuesday night.
Dobbs Ferry Mayor Hartley Connett addressed those who are opposed to the project Tuesday night as well.
Land use issues are always the toughest ones, theyre the most emotional, he said.
The board unanimously granted site plan approval for the Walgreens project after a lengthy presentation and discussion with the public. Many board members said residents need to do more if they would like to see small businesses remain the staple of the village.
We need to support the small stores if we want the mom and pop stores, said trustee Donna Cassell. We want to support the local businesses, but competition is good.
Some trustees, such as Victor Golio, said it was tough seeing local businesses go out, though it may be for the best.
You have to think about whats good for the village long term, he said.
The village acknowledged the issues Walgreens had addressed, including traffic and the circulation of vehicles in the area. Representatives of the project said Walgreens would be working within the footprint of the existing building to construct the 19,000 square foot project. There will also be additional landscaping added to the site of the store, which will face front towards Ashford Avenue.
We want to make this something the village is proud of and obviously were proud of, said Jim Ryan, one of the site development consultants.
Something that both the board and residents in attendance had concerns about was the sharing of parking spots between Walgreens and the village. While representatives said the parking would be available for all to use, they would not go so far as to guarantee it.
I dont think there will be any issues with the parking unless it conflicts with the business, said Alfred Delbello, one of the attorneys for the project.
The second floor of the proposed Walgreens will be an open area that will be rented out to another commercial office.
The application will now go in front of the Architectural and Historic Review Board on Monday to work out remaining building issues.
It was also noted that the most important thing any of us can do as residents is to support our local businesses, Connett said in a message to residents. If residents dont support these businesses, then we only have ourselves to blame when they go away.
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