'Goshen deserves this': New supermarket and plaza get all ayes from planning board

By Geri Corey
GOSHEN — The supermarket Goshen has been pining for ever since the old Grand Union closed 18 years ago came closer to reality last week.
The Village of Goshen Planning Board unanimously agreed to allow Fareri Associates' conditional site plan to move forward. It will bring a total reconstruction of the Goshen Plaza Shopping Center, located between Clowes Avenue and Matthew Street.
Fareri Associates, from Greenwich, Conn., purchased the 13.7-acre property last May with the goal of revitalizing the neglected shopping center and bringing back a supermarket.
According to Fareri representative Neil DeLuca, construction is expected to begin in May or June. The project will start by demolishing the building “wings” on either side of the former Grand Union, now the home of CVS Pharmacy.
Building the proposed free-standing CVS building will lead off new construction at the site. Once CVS occupies its new store, the current building will come down, making room for additional construction.
CVS will remain open during construction, with no interruption of service. The pharmacy will continue to offer the community its full health and prescription services. The store will have drive-through service.
Other constructionOther construction will include a 38,939 square-foot supermarket, four additional retail-ready buildings, and two-retail-ready pad sites.
“Interest in the new spaces has already been brisk from varied retail suitors,” said DeLuca. "Fareri Associates has enlisted the services of Pyramid Brokerage Company to field those inquiries and identify tenants."
Interested retailers may call agent John Coladonato at 845-787-1378 or 845-522-5900 ext. 121 or email him at jcoladonate@pyramidbrikerage.com
The 536-spot parking lot will be completely replaced. Its entrances and exits will be from both Clowes Avenue and Matthew Street. Truck deliveries will access a one-way roadway, bringing them to the rear of the stores.
The site plan includes sidewalks with overhangs, large landscaped islands, LED dimmable lighting, modernized utilities, and a new stormwater collection system.
“Most proposed projects are controversial. This project is unique and refreshing for everyone in Goshen," said Bill Fioravanti, Orange County Economic Development Director, echoing the sentiments of the many who attended last Tuesday's public hearing. There were no opposing comments from the audience.
Fioravanti said Harry Porr, the acting county executive while Steven Neuhaus is deployed in the Middle East, had worked in Bronxville, the location of a Fareri Associates construction project. Porr praised the company, saying their work was “done with style."
“Now is the time for development," said Fioravanti, speaking to planning board members. "Goshen deserves this. It’s an exciting time for Goshen."
The public hearing was closed, and conditional site plan approval granted to rousing applause from the audience.
To stay connected to the Goshen Plaza project, visit goshenplazany.com. The website includes site plans, renderings and detailed site information. It will be updated as the project progresses.
The anticipated grand opening of the new supermarket and completed plaza is the fall or winter of 2021.