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Situated just north and diagonally to Sacred Heart Church, the steel frame structure of the Walgreens is imposing compared to the previous one-story building that housed restaurants and grocery stores.
"It is certainly obvious for those that travel the gateway this project is moving ahead," Connett wrote in his monthly Mayor's Newsletter. "The columns and beams forming the inner structure are getting into place."
Arthur Moreno, who lives in nearby Ardsley, said he thought the building looked a little out of place, but hoped the new business would bring jobs.
"There will be jobs for young people and part-timers," Moreno said. "I usually go to the CVS in Ardsley, but Walgreens stays open later."
Connett addressed recent questions by residents regarding the height of the building.
"The developer initially proposed a one-story structure. owever, that design did not conform to the village’s Vision Plan, the new zoning code, or the Downtown Business Design Guidelines," Connett said. "These rules and guidelines call for a 'streetscape' design for the gateway business district, encouraging multi-story building design at proximity to the street (and discouraging strip mall look)."
Connett's remarks went on to explain that the Planning and Architectural Boards worked hard with the applicant to assure that the design rules and guidelines were adhered to.
"Change is not always easy for many of us, and new structures can sometimes look daunting when the initial support beams are going up," Connett said. "As the external portion begins to come to life, this new conforming building will greatly enhance the look of the gateway business district, improving prospects for all the downtown merchants, and bringing a new business that will make a positive financial contribution to the village's long-term tax base."
Carol Tisi Savino posted her comment along with several other on the Rivertowns-Dobbs Ferry Daily Voice Facebook page.
"It is too large and is not in keeping with the villages small town feel," Savino said.
"It's not what you want to see at the gateway of a quaint little village," Rita Kennedy said.
"No absolutely not. Why three stories?" Denise Failla-Cappelli said.
The closest Walgreens to the Dobbs Ferry location is in North Yonkers (approximately four miles) at Nepperhan and Odell avenues and is open 24 hours, seven days a week. The Ardsley CVS opens at 8 a.m. and closes at 10 p.m. seven days a week.
"The new Walgreens should relieve some pressure on the Odell Avenue store," Yonkers resident Lionel Nanton said,
The developer has advised the village that the new Walgreens is planning a spring 2013 opening.
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