The future of Pine Plains’ century-old independent grocery store became a key topic at the Town Board meeting on Thursday, Dec. 19, sparking a broader dialogue about grocery access, the role of local government and the potential for bringing a new store to town.
The discussion arose amid mounting frustrations over empty shelves at Peck’s Market, owned by Don and Charlene Peck. “We’ve all seen it — it’s going downhill,” said Board member Kevin Walsh, who raised the topic. “We don’t seem to be able to convince them to do something better.” Board members and residents discussed zoning limitations and considered what type of grocery store would best meet the town’s needs.
The conversation unfolded as neighboring Millerton prepares to welcome two new grocery options: Tri Corner F.E.E.D. on South Center Street and a 29,000-square-foot supermarket at the Millerton Square Shopping Center.
The decline of Peck’s Market is emblematic of a larger national trend. Independent grocery stores across the country have struggled to compete with corporate chains since federal policy changes in the 1980s made it difficult for smaller operations to secure fair supplier prices, according to The Atlantic, which reported that between 1982 and 2017, the market share of independent grocers fell from 53% to 22% — a negative trend felt acutely in Pine Plains.
Walsh introduced Brad Mitchell, a Red Hook resident, who urged the board to begin planning for a new grocery store, suggesting land owned by his father, Dale Mitchell, behind Stewart’s as a potential site. “It looks pretty inevitable that [Peck’s Market] is not going to last much longer,” Mitchell said. “Even if someone wants to come in and try to bring in a store in that building, it’s inadequate and small. I think if you don’t start planning right now, you’re going to have Peck’s go out of business sometime next year, and there would be no grocery store in town for two or three years.” Mitchell raised the idea of rezoning his father’s land to accommodate a larger-scale grocery.
Planning Board Chair Michael Stabile noted that current zoning regulations limit a building’s footprint to 6,000 square feet, which would be insufficient for a chain store. “Nobody is going to come and put a Stop & Shop here,” Stabile said. “There are not enough people in this area to support a full-fledged large grocery store.” Stabile also questioned whether the town government should play an active role in such a project. “What normally happens is a business gets an idea, identifies a market here and then comes to the Planning Board,” he said. “Trying to quarterback some sort of process of opening up a grocery store, I don’t know if that’s really the place for town government.”
“It remains to be seen what store would come here, but certainly the interest must be expressed by a business in order to come before the Planning Board, and then, if there needs to be a review by the Zoning Board, then that would occur,” said Board member Jeanine Sisco. “We don’t do it the other way around. We don’t change the zoning and then hope that a Stop & Shop comes.”
Residents also weighed in on the importance of community involvement. “I would hope that any planning would be made public to the extent possible,” said Gail Mellow, a Pine Plains resident and chair of the Conservation Advisory Council. “I also know that there are at least two other grocery enterprises that are small and local – within a 25 mile radius — who have also approached the owners of Peck’s and have not been successful. Certainly, these two places that I know of have come and wanted that site because of its location and centrality. I think making the process very open would be very helpful to the town.”
“I don’t think any of us know what’s the ideal size for a grocery store, small or large,” said Mellow. “But I think the town has a really important role, to begin to say, these are the kinds of businesses we want — there are certainly economic development grants. I think there’s definitely a role for government, as you can see how, having Kevin bring this up, there is a lot of energy in this room.”
Walsh acknowledged the complexities but encouraged continued dialogue. “There are obstacles, there always are,” he said. “The most important thing that came out of this tonight is that it started a conversation.”
The board addressed several other issues, including funding for a new highway department truck, extending a solar development moratorium and advancing town beautification initiatives.
By a unanimous vote, members approved a bond resolution to finance the purchase of a $108,995 highway department truck. Funds will be temporarily withdrawn from the highway reserve fund to cover the cost, with plans to repay the reserve upon finalizing a statutory installment bond. The town had initially contracted for a 2022 truck, but the seller now requires the purchase of a 2025 model at a slightly higher price. Town Attorney Warren Replansky noted they will consult with banks to secure favorable interest rates. A delivery date for the truck has not yet been determined.
The board also voted to extend a moratorium on further solar development and scheduled a public hearing for the next Town Board meeting on Jan. 16.
A motion was passed to approve a letter of support for Hudson River Housing, the nonprofit that is working with the Tri Town Coalition — representing the towns of Pine Plains, Amenia and North East — to secure a grant from New York’s Plus One ADU program that will fund the creation of new accessory dwelling units across the three municipalities.
In response to growing concerns about litter, the board discussed the work of the Beautification Committee, co-chaired by Elena Meccariello and Vikki Soracco. “There are no garbage cans available in town,” Meccariello said. The board supported a motion allowing the committee to explore options for a garbage and recycling bin at Center Park and said it will review proposals at its Jan. 16 meeting.
Walsh introduced a motion to instruct Replansky to draft a local law that would require the Deputy Supervisor to be a member of the town board, with the Town Supervisor selecting the appointee. The motion passed in a 3-2 vote, with both Town Supervisor Brian Walsh and Robert Ambrose voting against it. An introduction of the law is expected next month, which will be followed by a public hearing on the matter at a subsequent meeting.
Board member Jeanine Sisco announced she is awaiting a proposal from Choice Words LLC, a grant-writing firm in New Paltz, N.Y., as part of an effort to secure additional funding for town projects.
A buffet-style breakfast will take place from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 20 at the Pine Plains firehouse at 7 Lake Road. Santa Claus is expected to be in attendance.
The board’s annual reorganization meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Jan. 2. The next town board meeting will be held at 7 p.m. on Jan. 16.
Correction: The Deputy Supervisor is Jim Smith, who is not an elected official. A previous version of this article misidentified Robert Ambrose as Deputy Supervisor. A previous version of this article incorrectly attributed part of a quote by Gail Mellow to Jeanine Sisco. The article has been updated accordingly.
