The Peru Gazette

By John T. Ryan

Peru – Stewart’s plans to build a new shop in Peru this summer, but only time will tell if it’s going to happen this year. The Saratoga-based company must secure the approval of both the Zoning Board and Planning Board before proceeding.  

At the March 20, 2019 Zoning Board meeting Stewart’s representative Chris Potter described the project to the Board and several people in attendance. Stewart’s is proposing to construct a 3,696 sq. ft. store and 160 sq. ft. storage building behind its current store. A variance is required because the zoning law restricts convenience stores in the hamlet to 2,500 square feet. The new store and storage building total 3,856 sq. ft.

As last night’s meeting progressed it was determined that Stewart’s plan did not accurately state the variance requested and a proposed sign would require a separate variance. The Stewart’s representative asked the Board to delay voting until its April meeting. The fact that Zoning Board members Steve LaBounty (sick) and Tom Fusco (out of town) could not attend the meeting may have played a role in Potter’s decision. The three members present (James Falvo, James Bosley and Sean Lukas) would have had to unanimously approve the variance. No residents have volunteered to serve as alternate Zoning Board members. 

If Zoning and Planning Board approvals are ultimately granted, Stewart’s will acquire property behind and adjacent to its current building including the property occupied by four house trailers. Constructing the new building should take about 8 to 9 weeks. Once that’s completed, the old building will be demolished and a new gas dispenser island will be constructed over a 5-week period. It will house 3 dispensers. 

Town Zoning Board Attorney Matt Favro said the shop’s layout and look closely resemble Stewart’s Route 3 location near the old Clinton County Airport. Exits/entrances would be 30 feet wide. One exit/entrance would be aligned with Main Street. Stewart’s believes that a four-way stop sign layout at the hazardous Maiden Lane – Main Street intersection would improve traffic safety.

Five Peru residents expressed concerns with the proposal; however, almost all their issues should be addressed to the Planning Board, not to the Zoning Board.  John and Jean Mancuso are concerned with water runoff onto their property which is adjacent to Stewart’s. Jenkins Street resident Jackie Andrews is concerned with traffic and pedestrian safety and general maintenance of the property. She does not think the current shop is well maintained either inside or outside. Lana Knight, who owns two apartment buildings across the street from Stewart’s, is concerned about nighttime exterior lighting and the shop’s overall look in the neighborhood. She also wondered if there would be safety issues if Route 22 is aligned with the Stewart’s gas pumps. 

After expressing those concerns, several of the same  people complimented Stewart’s on being a good corporate citizen especially through its Holiday Match Charity Program.

Stewart’s Route 3 Plattsburgh Shop

Stewart’s Rt. 3 Plattsburgh Shop

Stewart’s Rt. 3 Plattsburgh Shop