WCAX.COM Local Vermont News, Weather and Sports-Hannafords Plaza in Brandon?

Hannafords Plaza in Brandon?

Brandon, Vermont - September 16, 2009

Developers want to build a 53-thousand square foot shopping plaza just south of downtown Brandon.  The plan is in the preliminary stages of development.  About 70 people attended an information meeting about the project dubbed, "Brandon Plaza."

The plan is to build the center along Route 7 at the intersection of Nickerson Drive.  There are currently abandoned homes on the property, which is just south of the downtown core of Brandon.  Brandon already has a Grand Union grocery store, but the developer says there is a need for a larger supermarket so people don't have to drive to Middlebury or Rutland.

"I think this is much more convenient, I think what it's going to do is also add some competition, get some better pricing in town," says William McCabe of Second Generation Development.

"I'm very concerned that it will damage the downtown, I think Brandon has an absolute treasure with the village, walking distance to everything," says Brandon resident Sam Glaser.

The developer estimates the plaza would bring about 204 jobs to Brandon, while eliminating about 17 jobs that currently exist.

Right now it is all just a concept and the first meeting with the town Development Review Board is next Wednesday, which will kick off the permitting process.

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