GOOD NEWS! A & P ON ROUTE 119 COULD BE REPLACED WITH SUPERMARKET IF WE ALLOW EXPANSION
Release Date: March 31, 2011
I am pleased to report that I spoke with the owners representative of the landlord that currently leases to the A & P on Route 119 (Crossroads Shopping Center). I have been advised that the landlord would be receptive to renting the space to another supermarket --provided the town allows for the expansion of the existing building. The A & P is going to close down the A & P on Route 119 in the middle of April. There is at least one supermarket that is very interested in relocating to Crossroads provided that they be allowed to expand from 38,000 square feet to approximately 55,000 square feet. Modern day supermarkets require more space than the supermarkets of the 20th century.
I am supportive of this proposal. Many senior citizens who reside on or near Manhattan Ave do not have cars and have walked to the A & P supermarket for years. The closing of the supermarket will create a significant hardship. Immediately after the town received notification that both the Pathmark & A & P supermarkets will close down in April (due to bankrupcy) I contacted every supermarket I could think of --inviting them to consider both locations. A special thank you to residents for your suggestions.
Town officials will be meeting to discuss this concept next week. What do you think?
IN THE MEANTIME--we are reviewing plans to offer limited shuttle service to residents who do not have cars--taking them to a supermarket. I have contacted area supermarkets and have asked them to reimburse the town for any costs associated with this service.
PAUL FEINER