Plans for a grocery store and ice cream shop inched forward on Wednesday, April 8, as the Pine Plains Planning Board reviewed a proposal to redevelop the former Deuel’s Home Center property at 7723 South Main St., one of several projects discussed during a busy meeting.
The grocery and ice cream shop are part of a broader redevelopment of the South Main Street property owned by Christopher Gumprecht, where a cannabis dispensary was approved in December 2025 and will occupy the historic weigh station building.
The proposal calls for demolishing three structures and constructing a new building to house a grocery store while renovating another building for an ice cream shop. The plan also includes new parking, landscaping, utilities, and pedestrian-friendly improvements along the front of the property.
Application materials indicate the project would include a 9,000-square-foot grocery building and the restoration of an existing structure — including a porch addition — for use as an ice cream shop. Plans also show redesigned parking areas, stormwater management infrastructure, lighting, and a new septic system.
Board members requested that a sidewalk be added along the front of the property and discussed whether the revised proposal would require a new environmental review. Town attorney Warren Replansky said that because the proposal involves demolition and construction of a new building, a new SEQR review would be necessary.
The project represents the next phase of development for the site, which had previously received Planning Board approval for a cannabis dispensary expected to open in the coming weeks. The submitted plans show 55 parking spaces, including ADA-accessible spaces, and a layout designed to improve pedestrian access between the grocery store and ice cream shop.
.Applicants must now seek a variance from the Zoning Board of Appeals to exceed lot coverage limits before returning to the Planning Board.
Former Lia’s property discussed
The board also heard a preliminary proposal for the former Lia’s Restaurant property at 7685 Route 82.
Angela Somma, who currently hosts events in a barn in Clermont, is considering purchasing the property to create a multi-use venue. Her early concept includes a bar with a limited menu during the week and weekend events such as food trucks, outdoor music, and games.
Somma also asked whether a small number of tiny homes could be placed at the rear of the property for overnight guests who book the space for weddings or events. However, town officials noted that the parcel falls into two zoning districts, and the more restrictive zoning would apply. Somma was advised to seek a zoning change from the Town Board if she wishes to pursue lodging.
CEEN cited over propane trucks
Earlier in the meeting, the board discussed CEEN Properties at 2775 Church St., where officials said the current use may differ from what was approved.
Chair Mike Stabile said the property had been approved for seasonal equipment storage.
“Seasonal equipment storage — boats, campers, RVs. We asked, Will there be trucks or trailers? The answer was ‘no,’” Stabile said.
Board members said propane trucks are now being parked overnight at the site.
“Propane truck distribution was not agreed to. The use of the property is not as approved,” Stabile said.
Officials also raised concerns about a driveway easement and safety issues related to propane vehicles. CEEN’s representative said the applicant would return with an amended site plan.
Storage facility project continues
HTWO Properties also presented revised plans for additional storage units and a retail farmstand building at 2814–2816 and 2812 Church St.
The Zoning Board of Appeals granted a lot coverage variance, but the Planning Board requested additional materials, including stormwater and lighting plans, before the project can proceed.
Board members also requested written clarification that the proposed use qualifies as retail under town zoning.
The next Pine Plains Planning Board meeting is scheduled for May 13.
Im sure the gorgeous grocery store will not come to light. Pine Plains is to back wards. they don’t like new bussiness and the planning board delays and costs applicants thousands. Would be great to finally have a thriving store again but these boards will just delay and delay and delay until the owner gives up or goes broke. SAD atleast we have some good cannabis coming to town. Maybe the board will partake and chill out a bit.
Well, with Peck’s gone for months now and nothing happening there, maybe they’ll be slightly more motivated to move the project forward.
Although we are in desperate need of a grocery store, this location will shift business from the town center and we need to keep the town center alive. To that end, it would be great if the Peck family informed the town of their plans for the town’s major retail spot. Has the Town Board reached out?
Mary, this side of town is also the business center and is zoned for this kind of thing. Why would you want a big grocery store at the 4 corner intersection? Hannaford in red hook (where I’m sure you shop) is out of the village. Why would a town board reach out to a closed business? Shame on you for not “liking” the location that fits the town perfectly. Im sure this guy has spent a pretty penny already with those plans only to have to wait 6-12 months fighting planning and zoning (and small town politics). I hope this guy gets the grocery through pine plains deserves it and needs it to save this town!!
Janet is right
Pine Plains desperately needs a grocery store. If the applicant is a reputable citizen and business person – roll out the red carpet. Good enough location in my opinion. Peck’s situation seems hopeless.
The applicant is dating a planning board member, the article left out. Maybe i will install my boyfriend on the planning board too when i want to open a business in Pine Plains if there aren’t any conflicts of interest with that.
Pine Plains has generally lacked true long term strategic vision the last ~30+ years, starting with the poor choice to relocate the town office and court to the old farm credit center far away from the center of town. It’s true that the proposed site mentioned has been a retail location for over 100 years with Newt Deuel’s old store, so it’s not entirely out of line to now host an ice cream shop and grocer.
However, Ms. Woods makes a valid point that PP needs to keep the town center invigorated and the current Peck’s location not ignored. Many here probably no longer remember, but the present Peck’s site actually used to be a Grand Union (defunct grocer chain) and William Peck’s general store on Main Street across from the Hedges General Store. “Sacrificing” one part of town for another is not a viable solution either.
Many small towns face similar challenges in trying to preserve and honor their history, while allowing new generations to make their contributions as well. I at least hope this proposed grocery store is actually a ‘real’ store with ‘real’ products for locals to patronize and not some overpriced pretentious nonsense to pander to city people.
I will say since it was already mentioned that it’s incredibly disappointing a pot shop is coming to town period…especially without a functional grocer. Many average townspeople people do not support it – especially in close proximity to an ice cream store. NY needs to stop glamorizing a product that is indeed dangerous with no societal value. It’s frankly a disgusting hypocrisy that cigarette smoking is now considered a “deadly sin” with no public advertising, yet NY politicians are practically handing out joints to everyone with billboards on every corner.
GUIDO FORTE, wake up it’s 2026 your kids go into Stewart’s where one of the most killer substances are sold BEER, not to mention cigarettes and lottery tickets. You go rebuild pecks and put up a grocery store?
Yes, fair points… the counterpoint is there is too much gambling and alcohol advertising as well. Society seems content to continue spiraling downward with no civility or moral restraint for cheap thrills. You missed my point about the unequal treatment of tobacco and pot products …. it’s illegal to advertise tobacco on billboards, but nearly every single billboard on the Thruway system and Mass pike has a weed shop ad. The tax rates for weed and tobacco are also unequal. You also missed the simple points about grocery store locations and consideration for a vibrant town center. Never said the Deuel’s location was “bad”.