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CORTLANDT, N.Y. - The second Walmart Supercenter in Westchester County is being proposed on a 36-acre site across from the Cortlandt Town Center.
The 160,000-square-foot store would replace the existing Walmart at the Town Center, taking away one of the shopping center's main draws.
"Walmart finds moving across the street a wonderful opportunity to expand and stay in Cortlandt," David Steinmetz, an attorney for Westrock Development, told the Cortlandt Town Board.
Westrock has toyed with several proposals for the split zoned property and currently has pending before the town a plan for a 95,000-square-foot shopping center and 10 residential homes.
For the Walmart to get off the ground, the town board would have to approve an amendment to the zoning map rezoning more than 26 acres of the site from R-40 (residential) to C-D (commercial development).
"To ask for a rezone and double the size, that's a big consideration," Council member Frank Farrell said. "We're not saying heck no."
Walmart would like to relocate because under its current lease at the Town Center, which expires in 2018, it is prohibited from being a full sized grocery store due to the existence of the A&P.
"It's been a great location for us but we like ownership. Having ownership of a store is important to us," said Edward Premo, a Walmart attorney from Harter, Secrest & Emery.
Walmart's current location is approximately 144,000 square feet. The new store would not only feature a supermarket but also limited auto service for tires, batteries and oil changes. About 750 parking spaces are envisioned.
The rear property would buffer a neighborhood of approximately 80 homes and Lakeland School District's Van Cortlandtville Elementary School.
Traffic and noise concerns were expressed by some members of the town board.
"My concern is there is the potential on the site for a lot of noise," Council member John Sloan said. "The question really is quality of life and protecting the interests of residents."
Steinmetz said Westrock was planning to meet with residents of the Baker Street area in the near future.
"What we are proposing will be a wonderful attribute to the community and the area," he said. "It's time to finally turn what was the Frooks property into the Cortlandt Boulevard."
The only other Walmart Supercenter in Westchester is in Yonkers. The nearest supercenter to Cortlandt is in Fishkill.
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