by Margaret Robertson
Yesterday’s news regarding the withdrawal of the Hannaford Supermarket from our Town has sent shock waves down the valley as residents have reacted with horror and outrage. This “cog” in the wheel of our economic base was anticipated as the saving factor to our local economy that is struggling to survive and with so much hope for the future; there was reason to be uplifted despite the bleak national scene. New Lebanon was somehow going to rise above it all and be strong.
While you are reeling from this stunning announcement, I wish to explain my position in this, how I was affected by it and to offer hope when it seems there is none at this point. The Land Use Office Manager, Cissy Hernandez, and I met at 11 am, Tuesday morning, with Hannaford’s Senior Site Engineering Project Manager, J. M. Lord P.E., to discuss what I thought were the final issues and plans for the supermarket. To my dismay, as he handed me a press release for Wednesday’s newspapers, I heard words I never dreamed would be uttered. The Hannaford Supermarket was withdrawing its application. He asked for confidentiality regarding this information until the main office could release the news to the papers. Of course we agreed to this since I was not about to jeopardize anything that might change in 24 hours. As the meeting wrapped up, a text message came through telling us that “the news was out” and three phone calls had been fielded already. We looked at each other in total disbelief that the information had come out without either one of us leaving our seats! (I often wonder about wires or microphones!) Apparently, the main office had sent an email to the newspapers and the local one had cut and pasted the release into their already published paper online. Oh, for technology and the bit of attention deficit disorder it has developed in all of us. We can’t wait for the hard copy anymore and confidentiality can just pound salt.
However, to honor J Lord’s request, I did not return any phone calls until Wednesday, with the exception of one newspaper who I knew was not publishing until the day after the official release. This editor had already received the information so I saw it as an opportunity to put out the fires burning all over town. I was greatly disheartened to read that another newspaper’s statement that “the supervisor was unavailable for comment” was an indication I lacked leadership ability. However, when the online version came out, I was meeting in confidence with Hannaford’s representative. Instead, I rather think integrity and confidentiality are necessary traits for a town supervisor who is a very public figure, and possessing those traits indicates something shared in confidence will remain confidential until the other party wishes otherwise.
The tenor of the conversation changed dramatically after that. I asked him for reasons why, as I knew this was going to be disastrous news for the town and I would be pressed to explain to everyone what had happened. He stated the main office in Scarborough, Maine, no longer wished to spend any more money. I noted they had already invested far more than any other corporation, met every requirement New York State DOT placed on them, accommodated for DEC’s requirements as well, and when those major issues were finally resolved, despite demands and difficulties they encountered with the property owners, the Brauser Group #4, they still continued to work towards a successful conclusion in order for the supermarket to be realized in our economically starving town.
I inquired as to whether or not the old supermarket could be used instead. Unfortunately, it was not possible since their design for our supermarket was the smallest they had ever done and was a test for them. So, I asked about the possibility of them helping us get someone to operate it, and he acknowledged they have supported an independent in the past with previous stores, where their Hannaford products are sold. I emphasized it was the Hannaford products residents were anticipating more than anything and the draw of people here to buy their food would ultimately still bring in other businesses. So, I will focus my energies towards achieving that goal and strive to make this “food desert” the oasis it is destined to be after all.
This issue fits the words of the late President Ronald Reagan, “Get government off our backs.” A government really cannot interfere with the wishes of private property owners, and since this parcel is owned privately, the Town Board and I cannot, as a government, step on the Brauser Group #4 and order them to resolve their issues with Hannaford. On the other hand, what we also cannot do is prevent anyone from writing to the Brauser Group and asking them to reconsider, resolve or re-address their issues with Hannaford and get them back to New Lebanon ASAP.
From my point of view, I just want you to know.
Warm regards to you all!
Supervisor Margaret Robertson, 518-794-8889.
Editor’s note: When a reporter writes that an individual was “not available for comment by press time” it is a statement of fact, not a judgment on the individual.