North-Gate Plaza

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Greece, N.Y. —

Demolition is under way at Northgate Plaza on Dewey Avenue nearly three years after plans to renovate and reconstruct the area were approved by Greece zoning and planning boards, but the project, which has long fought deep-seated opposition, is still generating mixed emotions.

While some residents cheer the renovation of a plaza they deemed an “eyesore,” others maintain that a Walmart isn’t right for the area.

Greece resident Tom Clayton is among the latter. Clayton, former vice president of since-disbanded grassroots group Residents Against Walmart (RAW), said many in the organization were opposed to the construction of a big commercial store there.

“It’s nice to see the plaza being developed, but what’s coming is going to be ugly,” he said.

The project hits close to home for Clayton, whose property lies just a few hundred feet from the plaza. “I’ll have a parking lot in my backyard, so I’m not looking forward to that.”

Northgate Manor resident Patricia Austin, however, is excited about the development.
Austin, who is visually impaired, said she is looking forward to having one-stop shopping near her home.

“That’s going to be nice for us. We can go shopping all by ourselves, all we have to do is walk across the street,” she said.

The plaza’s south wing will be demolished and the north wing rehabilitated to make way for a 24-hour Walmart, McDonald’s restaurant and a bus shelter. Tajkowski said he expects the project to be completed by late 2011 or early 2012. The developer, the Syracuse-based Widewaters Group, could not be reached for comment.

Those who have opposed the project over the last three years have done so openly, and adamantly. Residents against Walmart (RAW) took legal action on three separate occasions against the project, beginning in 2007 when the group first sued in State Supreme Court, culminating in June of 2009 with the Court of Appeals denying permission for an appeal.

Despite the construction, the legal battle to prevent, or at least slow down the project, continues.

“I don’t think this is over,” said Donn Rice, former RAW president.

Since the disbanding of RAW, another community opposition group has emerged — CA-POW (Citizen Action to Protect Our Waters). CA-POW has also recently filed suit against the town in U.S. District Court, asking for a full environmental investigation of the site.

“We’re complaining about the fact that they did not do a full and proper (State Environmental Quality Review Act) investigation before the approval,” said Rice, who is co-chairman of CA-POW.

Town officials say RAW’s opposition over the last three years hampered the process.

“RAW delayed this entire project,” said Gary Tajkowski, the town’s director of development services.

Many steps in the project do not occur concurrently, said Tajkowski, and in the midst of an ongoing series of court cases, it is difficult to get things rolling.

“It isn’t like flipping a switch where the project is off and it’s instantly on at high speed.
Everything takes time and only a few things can occur concurrently,” said Tajkowski.

Many who opposed the project all along now cite dual concerns — both about the ongoing development, and a growing distrust in town government.

“I blame the town of Greece for letting it become such an eyesore, and not enforcing codes that they should have been staying on top of,” said Carol Messina-Provost, vice president of Northgate Neighbors.

“The people at Town Hall need to be more responsible. They’re too comfortable,” added Messina-Provost. “Does our voice really matter? I’m thinking not.”

Tajkowski defended the town’s review, saying it was extensive and open to the public throughout the process.

“The planning and zoning boards went through hours of hearings giving anyone who wanted to speak the opportunity to address the board,” said Tajkowski.

“The planning and zoning board are always in the middle of competed interests. It’s the job of the boards to consider all aspects and all sides of an issue like this,” said Tajkowski.

For residents like Jeremy Carter, however, the plaza refurbishment was “way overdue.”

“I personally am very much in favor of this project going forth and being completed,” said Carter, who is president of Northgate Neighbors.


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Northgate Plaza renovation

Demolition of various parts of the plaza
Construction of a new Citizens Bank
Demolition of Big Lots
Construction of a 24-hour Walmart
Demolition and construction of new McDonalds
Estimated completion time: Director of public services Gary Tajkowski said he expects the project to be completed by 2011, possibly carrying into the first half of 2012.




Greece, N.Y. —

The New York State Court of Appeals Thursday denied the final appeal of residents attempting to stop the re-development of Northgate Plaza.

The group, Residents Against Walmart, have been trying to stop the construction of a 149,000 square-foot Walmart ever since the Town began Planning and Zoning Board meetings on the project in April 2007. After multiple hearings, approval was granted for the project in September 2007.

"This is great news for the town," stated Supervisor John Auberger "The project will create 150 construction jobs and 400 permanent jobs in our town.


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