Derby Eyesore To Be Redeveloped

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by Nina Leff and Kate Ramunni | Aug 18, 2010 8:23 pm

(13) Comments | Commenting has expired | Send link to a friend | E-mail the Author

Posted to: Derby

Photo: Nina Leff A dilapidated corner property that was once a gas station will soon have new life breathed into it by a local entrepreneur.

The Planning and Zoning Commission gave its blessing Tuesday to Ushfaq Ahmed’s plans for the spot at 160 Elizabeth St. — formerly Vick’s Service Station.

The building, at the corner of Fifth Street next to the former City Hall, will be renovated into a convenience store.

“That corner has looked pretty bad for the last 20 years,” said property owner Brian Calvert, who bought it two years ago. He also is the owner of Calvert Safe and Lock at 40 Caroline St.

“This is a great success,” Calvert said of the commission’s unanimous approval of Ahmed’s application.

The store will sell food, coffee, sandwiches and newspapers and will be open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.

Two residents interviewed on the Derby Green Wednesday said they’ll be happy to see the cruddy property reborn.

“I think it would suit us just fine,” said Esther Joyner, who lives on Fifth Street.

Joyner said that there are many people like herself with disabilities in the area. Walking down Elizabeth Street to the gas stations and convenience stores there can be difficult, she said.

“For somebody with a cane or a walker, it’d be a convenience,” Joyner said of the new store. It should be kid-friendly, she suggested, to take advantage of the daycare nearby on Fifth Street.

Ricky Boyce, a resident of Seventh Street, said that a large percentage of residents in the area are on a budget or use food stamps.

“If the new store can take food stamps, it’ll work,” Boyce said.

Both said that they hope the competition new convenience store provides will drive down prices at the other stores on Elizabeth Street.

The 1,400 square foot building was built in 1928 and is assessed at $134,190, according the the city’s land records.

Vick’s Service Station closed years ago and the gas pumps were removed from the site, Ahmed said.

One of the four entrances to the site will be closed, which will provide more off-street parking, according to Tracy Lewis, a land surveyor working for Ahmed.

There will be 10 parking spaces in front of the store. There will be substantial landscaping improvements in addition to the work on the building, Lewis said.

“I think the applicant did an excellent job improving the appearance there,” said the commission’s consultant, Ryan McEvoy of Milone and McBroom. “That intersection will be much better.”

Comments

posted by: RosalieCT on August 18, 2010 9:56pm

This may sound silly, but why would we need yet another convenience store? Right up the street from the cigar store and a convenience store??????? And isn’t there a convenience store around the corner on Main Street @ Water St.? I love that it’s going to be developed but surely there’s better uses for the area, no?

posted by: RosalieCT on August 18, 2010 9:57pm

Oh and it’s half a block from Altimari’s. So we really, really don’t need a convenience store in my opinion.

posted by: Watchman on August 18, 2010 10:04pm

A positive move forward for Downtown Derby, in today’s depressed economy. Good how!

posted by: Watchman on August 19, 2010 9:08am

Rosalie C.:

“Why is it that new taxpayor’s appear to be against the law, in Derby with some people, in the smallest, and poorest city in the state?”

You logic is very questionable, as convenience stores, pay property taxes, also. Would you rather have a tattoo or nail parlor locate there?

posted by: RosalieCT on August 19, 2010 10:25am

We also have enough nail parlors. A tattoo parlor wouldn’t hurt—it’s not shady anymore. Body art is just that—art and it’s a thriving business that Derby no longer has. Many years ago we had one of the top rated tattoo parlors in the US downtown but after the River Restaurant blew up, we lost them along with a lot of other downtown businesses.

I’m certainly not against new businesses coming in but how many of the same business do we need in one small area? What we desperately need is a nice coffee shop. There’s nowhere downtown to buy a cup of coffee and sit and enjoy it. Or just buy good coffee. But there’s lots of other businesses that could come in that wouldn’t compete with the other ones we have. My thought is that another convenience store might drive out other similar stores in the area, or just fail because there are so many others there.

Why would you question my logic? Most businesses do a survey of existing businesses in the are to see what the market needs. I wish this person all the luck in the world but I do not feel the market in downtown Derby needs another convenience store.

posted by: Watchman on August 19, 2010 12:39pm

RosalieCT: Another convenience store in Derby, is still more beneficial to the majority of Derbyites, than a tattoo store. They can also, perhaps, get a cup of coffee there.and provide a sit down area, for you.

posted by: RosalieCT on August 19, 2010 2:20pm

Convenience stores are just that—places where people go to buy things, at a higher price than a grocery store, that they forgot to get or need fast. They do provide coffee but they do not provide a place to sit and enjoy it. Actually if I want to sit and enjoy a cup of coffee I can go to Altimari’s. If I’m running in for something quickly, I go to Raro’s or the cigar store.

I’ll step down now. I was only expressing an opinion and don’t need the sarcasm. Have a wonderful day!

posted by: Art Stone on August 19, 2010 3:29pm

The city allowed “blight” to exist for 20 years less than a block from the old City Hall? I’m shocked, I tell you.

posted by: Watchman on August 19, 2010 5:00pm

RosalieCT:

Sorry, that a another convenience store in Derby, has apparently, upset you. You appear to have preferred a tattoo parlor instead, but that tupe of business. realistically, wouldn’t generate enough income to pay for, the lease for a new building, at that location.

The important thing is, that the City of Derby, gains a new downtown business, it will add to our Grand List.

Peace!

posted by: D.Gil on August 19, 2010 7:52pm

Dear, God, man. Ease, up, on, the, commas.

posted by: Watchman on August 20, 2010 10:52am

D.Gill:

A comma is a mark of punctuation used for indicating a division to a sentence (as by an interpolated word, phrase, or clause.)

What does that have to do “Derby Eyesore To Be Redeveloped?

posted by: Hill Top on August 20, 2010 8:51pm

Once again it is clearly obvious that watchman is one-sided with his views of the city of derby. Everything and anything this administration does is the greatest decision ever for our city. I am sorry, but we do not need another convenience store when there are two convenient stores within a couple of blocks from each other.

posted by: Watchman on August 23, 2010 9:27am

Hill Top:

Are you a Derby taxpayor? It may not be the greatest decision, to have a convenience store, at the site of a two-decade eyesore in downtown Derby. However, it is an improvement of our image, across the street from the land-mar Derby Green, and help you with your tax bill, if you pay Derby taxes.

Please, don’t “rock the boat.” when something good happens in Derby. Why are you making “political overtones?” This is for the betterment of Derby, not politicians, you may dislike.

However, you are entitled to your opinion, against having a convenience store, locate there.

Valley Independent Sentinel