Family grocer seeks variances for former Rite Aid site; board advises ZBA referral before purchase

A family-operated supermarket concept called Wingers Fresh Market was presented in concept to the Wappinger Planning Board; the board advised the applicants to seek zoning variances before purchasing the property.

Architect John Ventini told the board the building is already nonconforming for the front-yard setback and that the proposal would increase that nonconformity. He said parking and loading calculations are preliminary and that the current plan may be short of required spaces. "We need one space per 150 square feet for retail…my plans say we need 81; I'm only showing 79, so we don't comply," Ventini said, describing a potential two-space shortfall and the need for a variance from the Zoning Board of Appeals.

Ashley Narvea described the operators' experience and said the market would emphasize fresh produce, in-store meat-cutting and bakery items. Board members encouraged the applicants to initiate a variance application with the ZBA as the next step and to return with complete plans if variances are granted; several board members noted that whether the building is pre-existing nonconforming will affect the review path.