New Milford Mayor Gives Zoning Change Update on Potential Super-Walmart

NEW MILFORD, CT — The following statement was submitted to Patch by New Milford Mayor David Gronbach. To submit your news or letter to the editor, email wendy.mitchell@patch.com.

"In a 3-2 vote, the Planning Commission, contrary to the recommendation of our Town Planner, voted to approve the zone change sought by Mr. Szymanski with regard to the property behind Windmill Diner to Pickett District Road. Town Council member Tom Esposito submitted a letter in support of the change. I implore Councilman Szymanski and Esposito to tell the community what the plans are for this property. If corporate offices are proposed, I’ll be your biggest advocate; if an outlet mall is proposed, I’ll work with you to pave the way; if, as is widely believed, a Super Walmart is proposed, I along with a majority of the business community will oppose it with practicality and reason. Opening up an additional 600,000 sf of retail space makes no sense when we cannot fill the space we have available now.

"As with the closing of Pettibone, the failure to disclose the ultimate plan for this property fuels negative speculation, causing unnecessary distress for the community and business owners.

I understand why Walmart is getting into the supermarket business. You may visit Walmart once every couple of months. We grocery shop every week and the spill over from the grocery shopping will help sales in Walmart’s other departments. The problem is that the grocery stores that invested in New Milford, Stop & Shop, Big Y, Aldi’s, did so based on the zoning that would allow them to provide a service, fill a niche, and achieve some equilibrium with the other businesses. Changing the zoning now changes the landscape these businesses relied upon when they made their investment here. If, as I do, we care about our future economic development, this sends a bad message to future investors.

"If Walmart were to pull out of that plaza, Stop & Shop could close and the Plaza would lose two major anchors that smaller businesses rely on. That means NeJaime’s Bridge Liquor, which is a tremendous supporter of our community, closes. Additionally, Hallmark, a nail and hair salon, Gamestop, and a brand new sushi restaurant (that Mr. Szymanski represented) would be at risk. The Town is just starting to find its footing with interesting and high quality retail that was disrupted when Walmart originally opened.

"Three Planning Commission members, Joseph Girardot, Mike Nahom, and Joe Davis voted to approve a change without knowing the ultimate use or considering the effect on the Town. That is the opposite of Planning. For two Town Council members to endorse the change without disclosing the ultimate use is the opposite of Transparency.

"The Zoning Commission will hear this issue on Tuesday, October 11th at 7:00 PM downstairs at Town Hall. I urge concerned citizens and business owners, regardless of political party, to voice your opinion."