Branford First Selectman Remains 'Committed to Bringing' Costco to Town: UPDATE

UPDATE 4:30 p.m.

Statement from First Selectman Cosgrove concerning the withdrawal of the
Costco Wholesale Inland Wetlands Application

"As someone who believes that a clear majority of Branford residents support this development, this news is disappointing. I was encouraged by the constructive dialogue between the Branford Land Trust and the Applicant during the Public Hearing and the responsible manner in which Land Trust issues were raised and addressed by Costco. I remain committed to bringing Costco to Branford. As we embark on a variety of major investments to improve the quality of life in our Town, we need corporate citizens who can significantly and responsibly expand our tax base. Costco's proposed development at Exit 56 is a key to that expansion," Cosgrove said in a statement Tuesday afternoon.

BRANFORD, CT - In a stunning move, Costco officials informed the Inland Wetlands Agency Tuesday that it is pulling its application out of concern for how the application has been reviewed and processed by staff, reports Branford Seven Editor Steven M. Mazzacane.

The application was up for possible deliberation on Thursday, but not anymore. Company officials told the Branford Seven that they are assessing their options.

No other details were available concerning Costco’s plans for a possible store in Branford at 573 East Main Street.

The Costco application has definitely been a hot button issue in town for the past 18 months.

The issue came to a boil earlier this year when the Branford Seven filed a Freedom of Information request and obtained documents involving Inland Wetlands officials, which it claims shows that information and facts were compromised as part of the review process by some officials and peer reviewers.

• Read the Branford Seven full report here which chronicles what it claims to be doctored information and misinformation on the part of some town officials and peer reviewers.

Read the Branford Seven report detailing why Costco officials withdrew its application Tuesday, which includes comments from company officials.