Letter: Town is trying to revive supermarket
Greenlawn Plaza is a shopping center in Greenlawn consisting of stores like Waldbaum's and Game Stop. The Plaza is located at 739 Pulaski Rd. (July 24, 2012) Credit: Amanda Ostuni
A recent essay suggested a lack of outrage over the recent closure of the Waldbaum’s supermarket in Greenlawn and implied a weak effort on behalf of Huntington Town officials to intervene make sure the space remains a viable food store [“Loss of supermarket is a hardship,” Expressway, Nov. 29].
While I respect the writer’s concerns, it’s important to understand that town officials, including myself, have been actively involved in protecting both the short- and long-term interests of Paumanack Village and the Greenlawn and Elwood communities, which rely on this supermarket for essential food and pharmaceutical needs.
I wrote to the owner of the Greenlawn Plaza, and I’m pleased to report that the plan is to retain a grocery store tenant suitable for this location, hopefully opening in the first quarter of 2016. This plan, however, is subject to further negotiations, and I will meet with the company to stress the importance of finalizing an agreement quickly.
Supervisor Frank Petrone and Councilwoman Tracey Edwards are close to finalizing a plan to provide short-term transportation to nearby shopping centers. Details will be announced shortly.
I’m confident this critical issue will be resolved in a timely and successful manner.
Mark Cuthbertson, Huntington
Editor’s note: The writer is a member of the Huntington Town Board.
