UPDATE Residents: ACE Hardware Will Hurt Local Shop

A representative from ACE Hardware returned emails from Patch with the following message:

All Ace Hardware stores are locally owned and operated by individuals based right in their local communities.

In fact, the Costello family who owns the new Ace Hardware store being developed in Rocky Point, has been in business in the Long Island area since 1973 – expanding their business over the years with 17 stores to meet the demand and needs of their community.

The Costello family’s decision to open an Ace store in the growing community of Rocky Point is based on market survey data that showcases a need in the community for the products and services that Ace provides. As always, Ace’s number one commitment is to their customers and communities in which they live and work. As Costello’s has demonstrated for nearly 40 years, their main priority is to support their local community with the helpfulness and service that communities have come to know and expect from Ace Hardware – it’s that commitment to the community that you’ll find at Costello’s Ace Hardware in Rocky Point.

Upset locals flocked to the Rocky Point Civic Association meeting Tuesday evening to oppose and Rocky Point-Yaphank Rd.

Civic Land Use Committee Chairman Richard Johannesen and other community members worry that the Oakbrook, Ill.,-based corporation coming to Rocky Point will hurt local , which is about one mile east on Route 25A. 

“We have a long term policy in supporting local business,” Johannesen said. 

Seven year Rocky Point resident Rich Costa said of the new construction, “I’d rather not see it. I don’t like it.”      

Bill LaPurka, owner of the 39 year old store said he was approached by Ace in 1981 to sell their products. Approximately five years ago, he said, Ace decided to incorporate a branded and unbranded policy in which would cost LaPurka more money to operate and he opted out.    

When the branded Ace Hardware was coming to town, according to LaPurka, he was approached by the owner to work for Ace. LaPurka said he “wasn’t coming to town if [I] didn’t work for them.” But that required the Riverhead Town resident and loyal Rocky Point store owner to work six days a week. He declined the offer.

“If they don’t get what they want,” LaPurka said, “they’ll do anything.” 

Joan Sele, a 19-year Rocky Point resident said, “They’re going to hurt this guy.”     

“A lot of customers are upset,” LaPurka commented.  “When it’s your own kind burying you, it’s very disheartening.”    

Phone calls to Ace Hardware's coporate offices were not returned as of this writing.