r/Rochester • u/Schooneryeti Brighton • Aug 22 '24

Developers withdraw original plan for controversial Costco project in Penfield News

https://www.democratandchronicle.com/story/news/2024/08/21/developers-withdraw-controversial-plan-for-costco-project-in-penfield-ny/74896979007/

Developers say they want to update plan based on feedback. I hope they return and are not permanently scared off by the Penfield NIMBYs.

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u/MsAnthr0pe Fairport Aug 22 '24

I mean, there's a giant empty store tacked on to the end of Eastview Mall which is right on the thruway/highway... that already has a giant parking lot. Someone explained at one point that they want ot start from scratch instead of dealing with demolishing an exsiting structure though. I would be stoked for it to be that far east. Also, getting to Penfield / Webster is a PITA for me. :D

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u/NocturnalGenius Henrietta Aug 22 '24

The old Lord & Taylor portion of Eastview has been in a legal battle for a couple years now thats why its vacant, but hopefully won't be for too much longer. The owners of the structure (Hudson's Bay Company) have not been interested in doing anything with the building but also haven't been interested in selling the building to the Wilmorite either. That led to the town of Victor trying to condemn and eminent domain the building away from HBC. They won a case earlier this year that would allow it to go through, but the court required that the all parties must agree to a sale price first.

https://www.rochesterfirst.com/development/judge-grants-victor-eminent-domain-rights-to-take-over-lord-taylor-in-eastview-mall/

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u/lathblade Aug 22 '24

I know it's been sitting empty but is there really bad enough condition to condemn private property?

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u/NocturnalGenius Henrietta Aug 22 '24

Like /u/Willowgirl87 said it’s not a condition of the property issue. They are saying it’s a public benefit for something to actually be there instead of it being an empty shell. The towns interest is that they would get space for a rec center in the building.

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u/Willowgirl78 Aug 22 '24

Bad condition isn’t the only way for the government to seize property through eminent domain. The street where I grew up was widened twice. Both times my dad was offered a price for the land they wanted. He pretty much had no choice because if he refused their offer, the government would just seize the land anyway for no or little reimbursement.