Orange Zoners Advance Major Grocery Chain Proposal, Approve Regulation Changes

ORANGE, CT — The Orange Town Plan and Zoning Commission opened public hearings Tuesday on a proposal to convert the former Christmas Tree Shops building into a Big Y supermarket and on amendments to the town's zoning regulations to comply with a new state law, approving the regulatory changes while continuing review of the grocery store application.

During its July 7 meeting, the commission heard an application from Big Y Foods Inc. seeking a special exception permit for 200 Indian River Road. The proposal would convert the approximately 67,400-square-foot former Christmas Tree Shops building into a full-service grocery store with outdoor display, storage and retail services. The plan also calls for adding about 435 square feet to the existing 53,400-square-foot retail area to accommodate a café at the front of the building.

Guy Hesketh of F.A. Hesketh & Associates presented the proposal on behalf of the applicant, while traffic engineer Scott Hesketh reviewed the findings of a traffic study. Commissioners asked questions about the planned building façade, the café addition and whether a separate site plan application would also be required. Representatives said they were awaiting action from the Traffic Commission, which is scheduled to review the proposal July 13. No members of the public spoke during the hearing.

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The commission also held a public hearing on a petition initiated by the commission to amend portions of the Orange Zoning Regulations to comply with Public Act 25-1. Town Attorney Owen Weaver reviewed the proposed revisions, and no members of the public commented. Commissioners voted 4-0 to close the hearing and then unanimously approved the amendments, which take effect July 14.

The commission also unanimously approved Saint Barbara Greek Orthodox Church's request to hold its annual Odyssey Festival from Sept. 4 through Sept. 7. Peter Maniatis told commissioners the event will feature its traditional food, music and dancing and that shuttle buses will not be needed this year because adequate parking is available on-site and at Holy Infant Church.

The meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m.