‘Henny Penny’ Planned For Downtown Seymour

ETHAN FRYA Waterford-based company plans to replace two vacant buildings near the intersection of New Haven Road and Day Street in Seymour with Henny Penny,” a gas station/convenience store.

The company, Hendel’s Inc., which owns about 35 Henny Penny” stores throughout the state, has filed plans detailing the proposal with the Planning and Zoning Commission.

At their meeting March 14 commissioners scheduled a public hearing on the project for 7 p.m. April 11 at Town Hall.

John Hendel, the company’s president, said Thursday (March 14) that the project represents an investment of about $2 million.

It’s a pretty building,” Hendel said, noting that the design incorporates gabled roofs and dormers. It’s definitely going to be attractive.”

Plans on file for the property call for a 2,965-square-foot convenience store with four pump islands in front of it.

The store would also have a drive-thru window. Hendel said Thursday the company hasn’t decided whether to offer its own food or bring in a separate franchise.

Two vacant buildings that currently sit on the land — a defunct gas station and the former location of the Sweets and Eats restaurant — will be demolished if the project is approved, according to the plans.

The land is currently divided into two parcels totaling 0.74 acre, according to the town property maps online. Both are currently owned by a limited liability company controlled by Ramons Sous, a lawyer whose practice is nearby, according to the Secretary of the State’s office.

First Selectman Kurt Miller said Wednesday (March 13) he was excited to see the plans and hopes the new business will help draw others to town.

We’ve worked hand in hand with the developer to make sure this will be a quality project,” Miller said. Since it’s one of the gateways to Seymour I think it will have an immediate impact and spur more development along the Route 67 corridor.”

Getting rid of the two run-down buildings currently on the site will help the town’s image, he said.

It’ll all be cleaned up,” Miller said. It’ll make a nice appearance as people come into our downtown area.”

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