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North Branford News-BIG Y blessing or curse?

By
Real Estate Agent with Re/Max Alliance

WIth the impending opening of Big Y to our little suburb I was wondering what the overall feeling of the community is.  I know that there have been numerous letters to the editor of the Totoket Times regarding the traffic situation in that area resulting from the merge at the railroad underpass.  I have been there myself a few times and was not pleased to wait 15 minutes to get to the bridge, especially since I am turning right at Rte 139.  I now completely avoid going that way after 4pm and go down Twin Lakes.  I can only assume that once Big Y opens the traffic in that area will only get worse.

I am also concerned for the businesses in Central Plaza which have been there for years.  IGA has plans to stay open and see what happens.  IGA has an excellent deli and meat department, I just don't know if they can survive on that alone.  And if IGA goes what happens to Poppy's, Great Wall or Central Pizza.  I heard a rumor months ago that the post office was moving so if that happens what about Country Home Furnishings?  I am confident that McDonalds and Dairy Queen will be okay as well as Wasabi but let's face it new businesses have struggled there.

So I would like to hear from other people about what their feeling on it are.   Are you happy Big Y is coming or concerned for the town overall because of it?

 

 

Comments (3)

Anonymous
Danielle

Blessing!

I have to say I am very happy Big Y is opening soon. We shop at Big Y in Guilford currently, now we have a store closer. I don't care for IGA and avoid it. Big Y will be a welcome change in my opinion. Growth is inevitable, and usually a good thing. North Branford has been lacking, and is catching up with the times. The traffic will be bearable, and the convience of having a real grocery store will be wonderful!

Feb 09, 2008 04:28 AM
#1
Jamie Ramos
Re/Max Alliance - New Haven, CT
New Haven Connecticut Real Estate Agent

I kind of figure that it will be a mixed feeling on this.  I like North Branford because it is suburban and kind of has that small town feel but does have some great conveniences.  Big Y will be another.  I think it would just be sad to lose a place like Poppys in Central Plaza that has been there for 30 years.  It is like going into Cheers when you go in there.  I agree with you that change is unavoidable i just dont like change at the expense of history or character of the community.  Some of our neighors may be put out of business because of change and I am not sure I am comfortable with that either.

I am hoping that the trafiic situation will work itself out.

Feb 13, 2008 07:11 AM
Anonymous
Matt Sweet

http://www.thenorthfordnews.com

May 15, 2008 04:06 AM
#3