Residents have been going back and forth for months regarding the pros and cons of bringing North Shore Farms to the vacancy at the intersection of Jerusalem Avenue and Pea Pond Road in North Bellmore.
Their next hearing with the Hempstead Town Board of Zoning Appeals is scheduled for March 13.
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The building housed Rite Aid until 2002, but Rite Aid maintained the lease until 2011. While many clients have explored the property, including Western Beef, this is the first time a tenant has gotten this far in the process.
North Shore Farms wants to only do minimal work on the exterior of the building, which includes eliminating the area that was used for a drive thru for Rite Aid. That will be replaced by two additional parking spaces, increasing the total number to 86. Another concern was deliveries, and store officials said that none will be taking place before 6 a.m. or after 10 p.m.
We asked readers on Bellmore Patch's Facebook page why they were for or against North Shore Farms coming to North Bellmore. Some voiced their opinions in favor of the organic supermarket's arrival.
"There's a Stop & Shop right across from Chatterton as well as a Stop & Shop on Jerusalem," Susan Rupp said. "The traffic on Jerusalem is not related to Stop & Shop. This town needs a decent supermarket. Both Stop & Shops are horrible!"
"I think it would be great to add a business to the tax base," Nancy Shapiro added. "It would be a help to all North Bellmore Schools and taxpayers."
There was also those who are against North Shore Farms occupying the vacant building.
"My son goes to Saw Mill Elementary School," Megan Seligman said. "Just last Friday, I sat in gridlock traffic for 10 minutes picking him up from school. Cars parked up and down the street. Then, there was two-way traffic during a crazy crowded pick-up. Now, to add more cars on the block, it will be tough and unsafe."
"I remember few years ago when Western Beef wanted to move in," Felicia Gluck added. "Homeowners complained about garbage and rodents it would bring. Is this owner guaranteeing that won't happen? Also, won't this put the small grocery across from sawmill or of business? Not fair to mom and pop shops. They should turn it into houses so maybe families would move in instead of out."
What do you think about North Shore Farms coming to North Bellmore? Tell us in the comments section below.
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