Former East Setauket Waldbaum’s being prepped for the future
A former supermarket site is about to get a makeover.
Plans are in the works for the old Waldbaum’s building, occupying 8.91 acres in the Suffolk Plaza shopping center at 4054 Nesconset Highway in East Setauket, to be divided into two different spaces for future tenants after being vacant for nearly six years. The changes were approved at a Town of Brookhaven Planning Board virtual meeting Feb. 8.
Peggy Kelly, of Kelly’s Expediting of Ronkonkoma, representing property owner Heritage SPE 2 LLC, said that before the pandemic 24 Hour Fitness originally had secured building permits for the space and had substantial construction complete before COVID-19 hit and caused unforseen circumstances that prevented going forward.
Kelly said the new plans include dividing the store, which is zoned J2 Business, into two tenant spaces. The changes will also include a facade change and the center being painted a gray graphite color. Other plans include the addition of more ADA parking spaces in front and two electric vehicle chargers, she said.
“We’re also redoing the dumpster enclosures in the back of the new facility, and hopefully, upgrading this center so that future tenants will find it acceptable and wish to go in here,” Kelly said.
A loading dock that is currently severing a smaller space, she added, with the new construction will be redesigned so the loading dock can be part of the larger new space
Richard Smith, of the Planning Board, asked if there were any definite businesses lined up.
Kelly said there were interested parties but no one has signed a lease yet.
She added that she had letters from the Three Village Civic Association, Three Village Chamber of Commerce and Port Jefferson Station/Terryville Civic Association. None of the groups objected to the changes.
Charlie Lefkowitz, president of the chamber, said in a phone interview the group reviewed the changes.
“Any time a building owner makes substantial upgrades and improvements to their commercial property, it’s a win for both the property owner and the community,” he said.
