Work at the former
Rite Aid on Grant Street and Auburn Avenue is underway as crews begin to expand
and renovate the store for a Save-A-Lot. The project was first announced in the
Buffalo News almost a full year ago. It has been vacant for nearly six years.
The expansion at the
rear adds approximately 1800 square feet to the building. Ellicott Development
received the approval for the project from the City of Buffalo in September
2011. At that time the Buffalo News reported that Planning Board member, Cynthia
A. Schawartz believed that the project would be good for the neighborhood
because it will, “remove and eyesore and provide a needed business in the
area.”
During one of my
recent walks in the neighborhood surrounding the building, several neighbors
mentioned that there was a significant need for another grocery store in
addition to the much loved, Guercio and Sons just down the street. While this
use may not be the most creative or best use of the site, especially
considering the momentum on Grant Street in recent years, it seems it will be a
welcome addition none the less.