Costco Eyes Branford for a New Store

Branford First Selectman James B. Cosgrove today announced that Costco representatives have requested a meeting with key Town officials to review its plan for the development of an area off Exit 56 as its preferred location for a new Costco store.

Costco representatives want to pre-review the plan with the Town Engineer, Town Planner and the Director of the Town’s Inland Wetlands and Natural Resources Department as early as next week.

“We welcome Costco’s interest in helping us grow our tax base through responsible development of areas designated for commercial use,” Cosgrove said. “With our residential and personal property grand list contracting, the fairest way to protect taxpayers is sensible growth of our commercial tax base.”

Cosgrove, who openly campaigned last November on his support for a Costco development at Exit 56, reiterated that campaign pledge this week. “If Costco’s preferred site is Exit 56 and if they are willing to work with Town officials to assure a properly permitted project that delivers tangible benefits to taxpayers and consumers,” Cosgrove remarked, “then I remain committed to helping bring this project to completion.”

Republican RTM Majority Leader Ray Ingraham also applauded the news today. “Costco is a solid business---they pay good wages and provide health insurance and a host of other benefits to their employees,” Ingraham said, “and there are thousands of consumers who travel a long way to get the savings Costco can deliver to the consumer.” Ingraham said this is a win-win for the Town. “Hundreds of new jobs at livable wages, a larger tax base that helps keep residential tax rates stable---it’s hard to argue with that kind of proposal.”

For its part, Costco is looking forward to being a part of the Branford community. “Branford is a very attractive community for Costco, and a place where we have wanted to locate for some time,” said Jeffrey Brotman, Chairman of the Board of Costco Wholesale. “The Town’s smart approach to commercial development is a great fit for us, and we look forward to giving back through our many employee and community-based programs.”

Costco is well-known for its industry-leading wage and benefits packages for its employees. It is also recognized as a significant contributor to local and regional charitable organizations.