Traffic Concerns For Planned Whole Foods

Whole Foods took the next step toward opening its Port Chester store as the proposal went before the village Planning Commission.

The Austin-based grocery chain plans on opening their Port Chester location in 2013 at 575 Boston Post Road, formerly an A&P.  Issues raised this week included a request for a subdivision of 6,000 square feet, alteration of sidewalk, façade renovation and the addition of a lift and loading platform.

Whole Foods plans to have a café area of around 100 seats so guests can have the chance to sit down and casually eat if they wanted to buy a sandwich or other prepared food.

Planning Commission members were worried about the volume of traffic at certain times of the day if patrons visited the business specifically to sit and eat in addition to the standard grocery shoppers.

“I think Whole Foods is a great store and a great opportunity for Port Chester,” said Planning Commission member Gregg Gregory. “Once we work out the details and the commissioin decides to move forward I think it’s going to be a win-win for Whole Foods and Port Chester.”

The proposal was adjourned and will be continued on May 29.