New Stewart's For Schroon Approved by Town Board
/A new, expanded Stewart's Shop will be built in Schroon. In a unanimous vote Monday night -- all four Town Board Members and the Town Supervisor -- voted in favor to change a zoning law to allow Stewart’s to raze the building at their current location and expand and construct a new store on an adjoining block.
The five votes: Supervisor Mike Marnell and board members Don Sage, Clara Phibbs, Meg Wood and Roger Friedman, formed a super majority. That majority was needed to have the zoning code changed on the lot where the chain wants to expand, to include retail.
At the packed meeting, with more than 50 plus in attendance, there was overwhelming support for the $1 million-plus project, Marnell told Schroon Laker.
The last time the issue came up for vote, there were three in favor: Don Sage, Clara Phibbs and Marnell. Board members Meg Wood voted no and Roger Friedman abstained.
“This is good for the town, good for everyone,” Supervisor Mike Marnell told Schroon Laker Tuesday.
The Town now must file the zoning change with the Department of State in Albany, Marnell said. That process should take about four weeks. He did not know if Stewart’s would break ground before the winter.
Stewart’splans increase their footprint by building on land now occupied by a two story home directly behind their current location, on the corner of Dock and Taylor Streets.
The new store will increase the space from 2,500 square feetto 3,700-square-feet. The current zoning for that property includes use as a resort and or dining location.
Stewart’s representatives first presented a proposal to raze and rebuild the store at an April Town meeting. Soon after Stewart’s modified the plan to include, among other changes, a privacy fence, noise reduction air-conditioning units and discreet lighting.
This is a developing story, and will be updated to include additional reporting.