New Whole Foods Opening Date Expected This Week

Whole Foods was originally scheduled to today, on Wednesday, Dec. 12, but that had to be delayed as officials cited traffic and safety concerns.

Traffic has been a concern on Route 117 near Chappaqua Crossing, prompting developers to seek outside solutions.

 A planned left-turn lane from northbound Route 117 to Roaring Brook Road was not ready for the scheduled opening. In response, developers are seeking other temporary solutions that would allow cars to pass without waiting for the turn, alleviating traffic concerns.

Construction and delays on the project have led to a small bottleneck for vehicles passing through the area, particularly during the evening commute. Cars looking to continue straight along the roadway continue to get backed up waiting for other motorists to make the left turn.

This week, the New Castle Town Board and Planning Board came up with a revised traffic plan to ensure the safety of pedestrians and motorists in the area. 

Both boards are expected to meet later this week to vote on its approval. 

If each board approves the resolution, it would pave the way for Whole Foods and a 3,000-square-foot Chase bank branch to open at Chappaqua Crossing as early as the upcoming weekend.

According to a report from the Examiner, town traffic consultant Lou Luglio strongly recommended the removal of a temporary left turn lane from northbound Route 117 onto Roaring Brook Road because it would accommodate no more than three vehicles at a time as opposed to six or seven cars in a permanent lane.

Developers are also being called on to take measures to ensure pedestrian safety, and as many as three officers are set to be deployed - at the developer’s expense - to direct traffic in the area each day.

The Chappaqua Crossing redevelopment has been in the works for years. Earlier this year, dozens of apartments were opened, now they are beginning to fill the remaining space with retail locations, highlighted by the 40,000-square-foot Whole Foods market.

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