Demolition has begun at the former Shurfine grocery store in Weedsport as Byrne Dairy moves forward with plans to build a gas station and convenience store on the site. The project has drawn months of debate among residents, local boards, and business owners.
Byrne Dairy received site plan approval from the joint Brutus-Weedsport planning board in late January, according to a report by the Auburn Citizen. Excavators and bucket lifts were seen on the property Tuesday, signaling the start of demolition.
The proposal has stirred strong reactions since it was first announced in November. Residents took to social media, with many opposing the idea of a new gas station in a village of roughly 1,700 people, and expressing a desire to see a grocery store replace the Shurfine, which closed last year.
Local business owners also raised concerns that the new Byrne Dairy could negatively affect existing businesses and the family-friendly atmosphere of nearby shops.
Despite opposition, the zoning and planning boards approved the project. The boards suggested mitigation measures, such as adding shrubbery around the site to reduce headlight glare on nearby homes.
