We need support from Hyde Park business owners and citizens to move an essential development project forward. Last year, Nicolas Dibrizzi and Nick Citera ”” owners of Cosimo”™s Restaurant Group ”” purchased the former Grand Union Plaza in an effort to revitalize this blighted site, which has been vacant for more than 10 years.
Current plans include removing the former Molloy Pharmacy building and constructing a new, historically and aesthetically designed building for Mavis Tire ”” a use permitted in the current zoning law and which would further establish this and the plaza to the south as retail service centers with sidewalks, lighting and extensive landscaping to connect the two properties.
This investment will benefit the residents of Hyde Park as well as owners of other properties and businesses in the surrounding area, bringing jobs and tax revenue back to the town. Mr. DiBrizzi and Mr. Citera have worked with the town in creating a site exceeding the municipal requirements. Recently, however, they attended a Planning Board public hearing on their proposal and were met with sharp criticism from outspoken individuals. Unfortunately, little to no support for the project was present.
I am asking for local businesses and community members to join the Chamber in proudly supporting this redevelopment project!
The community needs our support to create jobs, rejuvenate Hyde Park and revitalize this dilapidated plaza. We have started a petition online at Change.org and I am asking for signatures in support of the proposed plan. I also ask supporters to attend and speak at the upcoming public hearing at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 21 in Hyde Park Town Hall at 4383 Albany Post Road.
New York state is difficult enough to do business in. At the Chamber, we believe in advocacy and being a union of like-minded individuals who support one another for constructive redevelopment. Together we can continue to improve our local economy and encourage reinvestment in the region. Continued road blocking by local government will only keep Hyde Park storefronts empty and buildings abandoned.
Frank Castella, Jr. is president and CEO of the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce.
