Yorktown Eyes 100 Acres Near Parkside Corners to Develop for Commercial Space

For nearly three decades, Charles Monaco has owned 100 acres of undeveloped Yorktown real estate off of Route 202, across from Parkside Corners and Grandma’s restaurant.

He has finally decided to use part of his land for commercial development, while donating a large portion of the land to the town of Yorktown.

While these plans are still in the infant stages, members of the Yorktown Business Development Committee met with site engineering consultants last Friday to see what various design conceptions could be considered if 30 to 35 acres of Monaco’s property was developed for commercial use.

The concept called for two large retail areas as well as smaller stores, a large plaza and a landscaped area for patrons to walk, sit and enjoy their shopping experience.

“All the stores from the new retail area and even Parkside would compliment one another and would create a very nice destination for people to come, shop, eat and relax,” said Joseph Visconti, President of the Chamber of Commerce.

He said he liked the idea of a large outdoor shopping destination and thought it would create a “Hamlet” for the Parkside area.

Of the three concept designs that engineer Joseph Riina presented, most in attendance said they were impressed.

Because of future road plans in regard to Route 202 and the Bear Mountain Parkway, this development would need to be coordinated with the Department of Transportation (DOT) and that may present a few “speed bumps” for the project, officials said.

In a philanthropic gesture, Monaco said he intends on only developing a third of his land for commercial use and then donating the remaining 65 acres to the town. That, he said, would enable the development of park space and connections to nearby hiking trails and parks.

Despite the eagerness that surrounds the project, both sides acknowledged the stumbling blocks that await its development from next addressing how DOT will work with a developer for the property. Those involved will be designing a more concise and specific concept to then present formally to the town board.

Monaco said he hopes to have it done by the fall. Visconti and the rest of the committee said they were all in agreement with the plan and believe the new acreage that Monaco will give back to the town is “a homerun for Yorktown.”

What do you think about the development of more commercial real estate near the Parkside Corners section of Yorktown? Would having a multi-store destination be a good thing for the area?