We’ve been optimistically following the East Ave Wegmans proposed building plans, because we would love to see some improvements not only in that store but to that block. We had hopes that Wegmans would beautify that block a bit by bringing in a nicer looking storefront and better offerings in the store. I know a lot of people from our neighborhood drive out to the ‘burbs in lieu of braving our East Ave store. We need to provide city residents with solid amenities like quality grocery stores (and they need not be gigantic), if we want to keep them from fleeing to the suburbs. I won’t get on my soapbox right now. Suffice it to say, many of us have been following the saga of proposed design changes and have been afraid to wonder if the new store will actually ever happen.
So,the latest news — Wegmans is now decreasing the size of the proposed store from 93,500 square feet to 88,000 square feet (the current store is 41,000 square feet). One thing getting cut is the mezzanine cafe seating area. The new proposed mezzanine area will only house offices and employee facilities. The other big change to the design — more windows. One of the biggest issues with designs of the proposed store thus far has been the windows. Residents and city officials were worried about having a big huge brick wall along East Ave. So, the new smaller store design calls for windows on 55 percent of the store side facing East Ave (versus the previous design of 18 percent).
I, personally, am ready to take any new and improved store over the status quo of boarded up windows and tumbleweeds. And I’m actually not concerned that it is going to be a bit smaller than originally planned. I was disappointed to hear that they were proposing a new design only because I assumed things were going forward according to the plan they submitted to the public last year. I hope they get on with the project and don’t delay anymore. Wegmans spokesman Jo Natale is still sticking with the 2012 opening date, but that’s assuming there are no hitches and everything goes smoothly.
The current proposed changes have not yet been approved. If they are, we’ll post a link to the new plan once they make it public.
I for one am so happy to hear that it is finally moving along. Even if a bit smaller. We don’t want to loose this opportunity for our community and have to go to the burbs!
In my opinion, Wegman’s could/can have made a better choices along East Avenue in the empty store fronts along the road.over what seems like an eternity now.
They often have wonderful huge posters that could be placed in each window to improve the blight that was once a thriving little block of cute shops, services and florist etc. Giving the residents and visitors to this area something pleasant to look at – and showing a willingness to care for the properties they had purchased. If any one of us left our properties in that condition I am sure the city would be all over us to ‘clean it up’.!
Looking forward to the new Weggies, and the coffee shop to reopen…Spring is in the air!
Hopefully they will start breaking ground soon and this will all be a distant memory!