Shopping center development in Little Falls draws opposition

Story Created: Dec 30, 2009 at 6:32 PM EST

Story Updated: Dec 30, 2009 at 6:32 PM EST

LITTLE FALLS, N.Y. (WKTV) - Negotiations are underway with the Herkimer County Industrial Development Agency and a developer looking to put a shopping center in Little Falls.

The development would most likely bring a new chain grocery store to the City, along with another business, said Little Falls Mayor Robert Peters.

Peters says a developer approached the city about a year ago, to build a shopping center on a 21 acre rock quarry site on the outskirts of the city. The quarry site sits in between Route 167 and Route 5.

Mayor Peters say the location is perfect enough to draw in people from outer municipalities into Little Falls.

"This is all great possibilities for the future of Little Falls." said Mayor Peters.

Peters says if the project became a reality not only would the city benefit but so to would the school district and the Herkimer County Industrial Development Agency.

All three would split the revenue generated by a new shopping center for the length of a contract agreed on. An e-mail from the developer to NEWSChannel 2 says that could be as much as $300,000 annually.

Peters say the city recently passed legislation that allows the Herkimer County IDA to become the lead negotiator with the developer.

"We are trying to make the city move forward, if we failed to pass this at the common council meeting, to me that would send a message to everyone that ever wants to develop anything in Little Falls, that Little Falls is not willing to have progress. That is what we are trying to avoid, were trying to get people to see we want progress in our city." Peters said.

Opposed to the idea of a new shopping center is a group called "Main Street First", they have a petition and a table set up in the Big M in the middle of downtown. One group member says if the shopping center does come and a bigger chain grocery store comes with it, it would cripple the downtown area.

"It is not smart development. Downtown Little Falls is made up of many independently owned small businesses who have invested their own money, sweat and long hours to be successful. It is basically a 24/7 job. I would think these people would have a much greater concern for downtown main street than a developer whose greatest concern is for his own benefit." said Main Street First member Mike Luppino.

According to the Herkimer County IDA, right now the developer is negotiating with two possible tenants for the site. Without them, the shopping center project is dead.
This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.

What's On