Tops project to be on planning board agenda in January

Tops Markets has completed the steps of obtaining sign variances from the Hamlin Zoning Board and are moving into the next stages in their quest toward constructing a fueling station at the northwest corner of the parking lot of the supermarket in Hamlin.

According to Dick Bauman, building inspector and code enforcement officer, "Top has been cooperative with the planning board so far in the process."

Tops is offering to put in an additional 11 parking spaces and will add buffering to screen residences from headlight interference.

The addition of a fueling station does not violate any comprehensive plan mandates or zoning ordinances because the area is zoned commercial, Bauman said.

At the December 20 zoning board meeting, Tops received variances for additional signage that would be on the fueling station and because they were requesting a second small building be constructed on the site.

In a letter to the editor, Hamlin residents John and Julie Picard voiced their opposition to the construction of a fueling center on the site. "Why the rush for Tops gas?" they asked in their letter. Is it so that the many long time local family businesses can be put of business ... by a large corporate grocer that can easily subsidize the price by a few cents until there is no longer any competition?"

The Picards also object to the station because it could "change the rural character of Hamlin" and further clog the Tops parking lot.

Stefanie Zakowicz, spokesperson for Tops Markets said, "In today's busy lifestyle, customers are looking for any avenue to save time and if they can get their groceries and get gas all in the same stop, it is a great time saver for them."

Zakowicz also said that Tops looks for markets where they have determined there is a strong customer base that would appreciate the convenience offered by a gas station at a grocery store.

"We're just at the beginning stages of the permitting process," Zakowicz said. "We plan to keep up the positive interaction with the town as the project moves forward."

There will be a public hearing before the planning board on January 3. The board, Bauman said, will collect public comments before making its determination.