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ARMONK, N.Y. The Concerned Citizens of Armonk believes when the North Castle Zoning Board of Appeals adjourned the groups appeal of the CVS building permit last week, it justified the group's position.
The Concerned Citizens maintained the building permit was issued without approvals from town boards. The Zoning Board of Appeals issued the adjournment after Eden Enterprises, the owner of the former A&P property CVS plans to occupy, announced it wants to make substantial changes to the building. These changes require review by town agencies.
Charlene Jacobi, president of the Concerned Citizens of Armonk, said, Citizens came together to support our effort and now theyll have to go through the same process we all do to get approvals for their store.
Greg Lane, a member of the Concerned Citizens of Armonk, said, At this point were waiting for the developer to submit new plans. Theyre making substantial changes that require town approvals and a special use permit, which is what we wanted.
Jeffrey Baker, the Young/Sommer lawyer who is representing the Concerned Citizens of Armonk, said, We were right. When they came in with different plans theres no question they need those approvals. Once they submit the new plan it voids the previous building permit.
The Concerned Citizens of Armonk initiated its campaign against the building permit, which North Castles assistant building inspector William Richardson issued, in order to to protect Armonk hamlet's character, which they believe would be undermined by the presence of a big-box retail store like CVS.
Now they think its possible the store may not be permitted to open because the town reviews will have to assess the impact CVS will have on the community, Lane said.
The chains impact on community character needs to be evaluated before the building plans are approved, Baker said.
Jacobi didnt know if preventing CVS from opening was possible, but said, Other towns have succeeded in keeping their charm.
Town board member Diane Roth, however, said the Concerned Citizens of Armonk are totally misguided if they think CVS will not be allowed to open but she supports their desire to have town agencies approve its plans. Im glad to see CVS is looking to improve itself. The boards will pay attention to building development issues to make sure its the best it can be, she said.
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