The Convenience Store and Deli: Passionately Objecting

To the editor:

I am currently the operator of the Station Place Café, located adjacent to the proposed new restaurant/convenience store. I have spoken at the last two public hearings, passionately objecting to the current proposal.

I do not object to a convenience store/deli, I even would welcome such a business, but having to compete with a highly subsidized business (by local money) is absolutely absurd.

One of my main objections to this new enterprise is the use of (or part of) my driveway for an illegal loading zone. This will endanger my customers as it would block access to emergency vehicles.

I am surprised that the Planning and Zoning Commission wasn’t more concerned about this issue.

Quality of life is another problem that shouldn’t be ignored. Having a massive ventilation system blowing pollution towards Station Place and Joseph Stannard’s pristine barn is highly objectionable, as is noise pollution from the ongoing compressors necessary to operate the large walk-in freezer and refrigeration system that such a business will require. The pastoral feel of our downtown area will be jeopardized.

All I can hope for now is that the building inspector will consider the wellbeing and future of a town that we all love while making his determinations on the build-out of the new store.

—Stefanie Gouey

The Convenience Store and Deli: All It Takes Is the Right Person

It’s incomprehensible that a town of Norfolk’s size (pop. 1,787) and vitality is bereft of a store where life’s simple necessities like bread, milk, butter, newspapers, etc. may be purchased. Smaller nearby towns such as Colebrook, Conn. (pop. 1,540), Monterey, Mass. (pop. 961) and Housatonic, Mass. (pop. 1,109) have thriving general stores where people mingle over breakfast and lunch or stop in to pick up that loaf of bread or pound of butter they just ran out of.

Early risers on their way to work have no place to go in Norfolk to grab a quick cup of coffee or breakfast. Artists and musicians come from all over the world to work and play on Yale’s Norfolk campus and at Infinity Hall. Weekenders from New York and Boston buy houses and contribute significantly to Norfolk’s economy. Hikers and bike riders take advantage of the natural beauty of Great Mountain Forest and Haystack and Dennis Hill State Parks. But what does Norfolk offer them, and more importantly, the local populace, in terms of convenience? Nothing much.

There isn’t even a place in town to buy a bottle of water. Norfolk has an unfortunate reputation for not supporting its local merchants. Why would people prefer shopping at a generic, big-box supermarket staffed by people you don’t know and owned by some corporate entity in Europe, rather than buying local produce, eggs, cheese and unique items from someone you know and trust?

A frequently heard argument against bringing a store to Norfolk is that many have tried and failed; therefore, no one can succeed in this unique, little town. All it takes is the right person to run a flourishing business. The proposed proprietor of the downtown store, Ryan Craig, was successful running the Berkshire Country Store in Cornwall in a location much more remote than Norfolk (approximately 5,600 vehicles pass through Norfolk every day.) He is young, energetic, resourceful and personable.

Mr. Craig plans to be open daily from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., serving breakfast and lunch to take out; or to eat in-house with internet access. He will have ice cream cones, pizza, donuts and pastries from the Blackberry River Baking Co. in Canaan, along with novelty items and books conducive to exploring Norfolk’s great outdoors. All this and the groceries, snack items, local products and sundries you would expect to find in a general store.

Emotions have been running high regarding the pros and cons of having a store in downtown Norfolk. Neighboring merchants have legitimate concerns that must be addressed. Entrenched naysayers are comfortable with the status quo, opposing progress or anything new. What does Norfolk have to lose? Mr. Craig is taking on all the risk.

The Planning and Zoning Commission’s unanimous approval of the site plan at its July 19 meeting is the first step towards turning sleepy downtown Norfolk around, into a bustling, welcoming, worthwhile destination.

—Michael Kelly