New Lebanon Town Board Action – Concern Grows Over IGA Closing

by Phillip Zema
Many who attended Monday’s New Lebanon Town Board meeting expressed concern over the closing of the New Lebanon Supermarket. The former grocery store was not only a community icon, but an invaluable resource for senior citizens. Its departure has made it difficult for seniors to obtain essential groceries. The Town, however, is taking steps to alleviate this crisis. To help overcome the gap created by the store’s closing and to promote community expansion, the Town is hoping to obtain federal block grants. Currently, the Town is hoping to receive a grant for the Mid-Town Mall housing project.
New Lebanon is looking to grow, but during this economic recession, money is scarce, which deters housing and commercial development. One way to promote growth is to obtain state and federal block grants. Taking advantage of this opportunity, the Mid-Town Mall owners are applying for a Federal HUD community development grant. If awarded, the block grant would provide $400,000 for the creation of eight ADA compliant single-bedroom apartments. Before the application could be considered, however, the Board had to pass a resolution saying it backs the project. Upon receiving the Board’s stamp of approval, the application then goes to the County level (before the application reaches the federal level, it must pass through several public agencies). At Monday’s public hearing, the resolution passed unanimously. Both the audience and Board agreed that the apartments would help enliven downtown New Lebanon and foster economic development.
The closing of the New Lebanon Supermarket has raised concern throughout the community. Senior citizens now lack convenient access to a local grocery store, putting them at risk. While local groups, such as Charlie’s Pantry, have helped assuage problems created by the supermarket’s closing, a permanent solution is still necessary. At this meeting, several audience members were adamant that re-opening the store should be the Town’s top priority. Amid recent discussion of gravel and fuel purchases, a possible $500k Town Hall renovation project and a possible $1.4m waste cleanup project, they were concerned that the Town was not taking adequate measures to reopen the store, which was referred to as the “life-blood of the community.”
Board Member K.B. Chittenden claimed the Town is exploring all feasible solutions. For one, the Lebanon Valley Business Association’s President, Fiona Lally, has organized efforts to address what can be done with the building. If anyone has suggestions, email the LVBA at flally@rasenna.us. While there is currently a local door to door food service, its services might be too expensive for many seniors. The possibility of having a CDTA bus transport local residents has also been considered. This option may not be viable, however. Peter Quinn, of the Immaculate Conception Church in New Lebanon and head of Charlie’s Pantry, is currently looking for people to help seniors obtain essential food items. Those interesting in helping should contact the LVBA.
Furthermore, the Town is hoping to establish a Conservation Advisory Committee. There will be a public hearing about the committee on February 8 at 6:45 pm. And, on January 25 at the New Lebanon Firehouse, there will be a public hearing on the proposed zoning re-write. The hearing is a continuation of the public hearing held last June. The re-write has many purposes. These include promoting public health, improving the business environment, preserving farmland and increasing land value. All community members are encouraged to attend.