Walgreens eyeing new store in Fairport

It’s the busiest intersection in the Village of Fairport. Now the drug store giant Walgreen’s is looking at plans to put a new store at the corner of West Church and South Main.

“If I have to vote, I would definitely vote against it,” said Fran Wells. Wells owns a consignment shop just a few doors down from the proposed site for the new store. “I'm not happy about it because I am someone who lives in the Village it would take away from the ambiance the character of the village it’s another big box store,” said Wells.  But Bill Adams sees things differently.

A year ago Walgreen's approached him about buying his Exxon Gas Station at the corner of Church and Main to build the 98-hundred square foot store. He thinks a Walgreen's would be good for the Village and for him. "I've been in the business a long time. I think it's the right time, it's the right fit not only me it's the right fit for the village," said Adams.  McFarland Developers have already submitted a plan for the Village Planning Board and Zoning Board to review.

Meantime residents are squaring off in a what promises to be another battle over the future of the village. "That has a name it'll draw additional people into the village to shop at other locations in the village," said Adams. But Wells disagrees. "I would hate to see the Village look change with the look of a Walgreens," added Wells.

A public hearing is scheduled for January 10th at the Fairport Municipal Commissions Operations Center.