NEWS BRIEFS: Edison Road, Stop & Shop, Debate Team,

The Stop & Shop Supermarket Company LLC announced the company will close its 259 Bull Hill Lane store by the end of January. An exact date for closure was not available. The seven acre parcel is owned by Shanri Properties Inc. of Canada.{{more}}

“After a thorough review of the operating performance of our stores, we made a business decision to close our Orange store location,” said Don Sussman, Stop & Shop’s New York Metro Division president. “We regret any inconvenience this will cause and encourage our customers to shop at our West Haven store located at 460 Elm Street which is two miles from our Orange store.”

The 66,285 square-foot store and its surrounding property, including parking spaces, pays $135,755 per year in taxes.

The store still has a two-year lease on the property.

“It’s unfortunate for the area. While Stop & Shop thinks two miles down the road is a minimal impact it’s a major impact for those who shop there,” First Selectman Jim Zeoli said.

He has also been trying to determine if the supermarket giant was still planning to hold the lease across the street at the former Builders Square site. That property has sat vacant for 14 years Zeoli said.

OEDC Director Paul Grimmer said the loss of Stop & Shop might be a blessing.

“While it may be unfortunate in the short term it will open up opportunity for other food companies,” Grimmer said.

He also said once Stop & Shop’s lease is up he expects the vacancy to be filled quickly.

“I don’t expect this to be a long term problem,” Grimmer said.

According to the prepared statement from Stop & Shop all 123 associates from the Orange store will have the opportunity to be transferred to other Stop & Shop stores in New Haven County. Prescription records will be transferred to the nearby Stop & Shop at 460 Elm Street in West Haven.

The Stop & Shop fuel station located on the property will remain open after the store closing.

Debate Team

On Saturday, Nov. 16 the Amity Debate Team hosted a Connecticut Debate Association tournament at Amity.

It was a historic day for the league – 270 debaters from 22 schools around the state participated, which made this tournament the largest in league history. On top of that, Amity alone had 46 students participate, which is the largest contingent from any one school at any one tournament in league history. In the novice division, an Amity student earned the third-best Best

Speaker award. In the varsity division, an Amity team earned the top ranking and won the final round. Many Spartans finished the day with winning records. Good job to all debate team members for a job well done!

Empty Bowls

The high school extends its appreciation to everyone who came out for the empty bowls/cabaret coffeehouse. More than 100 bowls were sold, raising more than one $1,000 for the Downtown Evening Soup Kitchen. Appreciation is also extended to the students in Amity’s culinary arts courses, their teacher Chef Hans, students in Amity’s ceramics program, their teacher Ms. Zamachaj, and students in Amity’s music program, and their teacher Mr. Hickerson. The combined efforts created a fabulous evening of food, arts, entertainment.

Edison Road

The first coat of paving on the long-awaited Edison Road has been completed. Temporary line stripping has also taken place. Economic Director Paul Grimmer said the road will not be open until the springtime as the town is waiting on final approval from the Departmen of Transportation.

Chinmaya Mission

The Chinmaya Mission has received zoning approval to construct an addition to its altar and for the construction of a 7’ x 27.5’ foyer addition at their Rt. 34 location.

Islamic Center

The New Haven Islamic Center has received zoning approval to locate a place of worship/religious use at 254 Bull Hill Lane in an existing retail structure.

The House of Worship has already received permission to use existing parking places adjacent to the building.

Medical Marijuana

The Town Plan and Zoning Commission has voted unanimously to place a moratorium on discussion/action on medical marijuana dispensaries and producers within any zoning districts for a period of nine months which can be extended.