[jdhall1]

Stew's here in Danbury is always busy. Somehow they got that built on wetlands.

[Stylo]

Originally Posted by mels

The SON group claimed Stew's would bring down their property values (excuse me while I guffaw uncontrollably) but not all of the other crap they didn't/aren't protesting.

Like the porn/sex/head shop superstore?

[basehead617]

Originally Posted by Cambium

Staying on the food topic.

Proposed plans to put Stop & Shop in Litchfield. Very interesting read from todays article. I only read half the first page so far.

The Push Back Begins: Four Letters Challenge Plans for Big New Stop & Shop in Litchfield - Opinion - The Litchfield County Times

"Anyone who has witnessed the domino growth of big-box stores will have little doubt that the unique rural feel of Litchfield will be very much under attack if permission to build a Giant Stop and Shop is granted"

Wow, I can't EVER imagine that getting built. On the green??? You're telling me there's no suitable place on some big empty rural rt 202 lot, that they need to build it on a 300 year old village green?

[Stylo]

Originally Posted by basehead617

Wow, I can't EVER imagine that getting built. On the green??? You're telling me there's no suitable place on some big empty rural rt 202 lot, that they need to build it on a 300 year old village green?

I didn't see that part. That's messed up.

[kidyankee764]

Originally Posted by basehead617

Wow, I can't EVER imagine that getting built. On the green??? You're telling me there's no suitable place on some big empty rural rt 202 lot, that they need to build it on a 300 year old village green?

I agree, and I hope that plan doesn't go through.

As for Stews in Orange, it's already a strip-mall hell. And the possible site in Milford has been an eyesore for years. It would be a welcome change.

[Cambium]

Originally Posted by kidyankee764

I agree, and I hope that plan doesn't go through.

As for Stews in Orange, it's already a strip-mall hell. And the possible site in Milford has been an eyesore for years. It would be a welcome change.

I hope its bigger than the Norwalk store. Stu's in Norwalk is so tight in there and the lot is always packed. Does anyone have the acres comparison?

[mlassoff]

Originally Posted by blakesq

Sweet. For some reason Whole Foods was a bit of a let down, I guess I was expecting a superstore like they have in Austin where I went to school. Stew Leonards would be a great addition to Milford!

Didn't know you were a fellow Longhorn...

The Austin Whole Foods is unlike anything I have ever seen.

I love Stew Leonards though.... Generally very high quality products. My only complaint is that the parking lot around the Norwalk store is dangerous. Too may cars... too little area... too much activity.

Go Stews! (But pay your taxes)

[Comp625]

Originally Posted by mels

The Stew's site backs on to industrial buildings, is across from the former Showcase Theater/Outback Steakhouse/Hotel, flanked by I-95 on one side and another industrial property on the other. This isn't pristine farmland, this is commercial land. If I were Stew, I would have given Orange the finger a long time ago.

I totally agree; the Orange site is soon going to be dominated by other entities not named Stew Leonards. Traffic congestion in that I-95 intersection is already iffy (especially during rush hour), regardless of whether or not Stew Leonard's is there. If marsh wetlands were so important, why is the S.O.N. faction not fighting other companies and organizations from developing there? Their logic is illogical!

Regarding the Milford site, I think it is a GREAT idea. Locals often forget that the particular area of Milford right before the old National Amusements theater is also lacking class (e.g. Vinny's Adult Video, X-Pect Discounts, car dealerships galore, etc.). It's equal to seeing all of the furniture stores and strip malls in Orange. Stew Leonard's opening would help to drive development and growth in that area. I'd also assume traffic congestion at the proposed Milford site would be better vs. the old Orange site.

[Stylo]

Originally Posted by mlassoff

I love Stew Leonards though.... Generally very high quality products. My only complaint is that the parking lot around the Norwalk store is dangerous. Too may cars... too little area... too much activity.

That whole stretch of Route 1 is dangerous. I hate it. You have to dodge cars pulling out in front of you regularly and encroaching on your lane. Way too congested too.

[Stylo]

Originally Posted by Comp625

Regarding the Milford site, I think it is a GREAT idea. Locals often forget that the particular area of Milford right before the old National Amusements theater is also lacking class (e.g. Vinny's Adult Video, X-Pect Discounts, car dealerships galore, etc.). It's equal to seeing all of the furniture stores and strip malls in Orange. Stew Leonard's opening would help to drive development and growth in that area. I'd also assume traffic congestion at the proposed Milford site would be better vs. the old Orange site.

Vinny's burnt down actually. And there's a new wine store, Aldi's and some good new restaurants going on that strip. There is still Romantix, but they will go the way of the dinosaur soon enough.

Don't forget VIP has a mega porn store in Orange.

But I do agree Stew's can only help the surrounding area. Of course a mixed use Blue Back-esque development might help more. Consider that as it's been the Urban Design recommendation from the study Milford ordered.