A new restaurant, a possible popular chain store, and the approval of the Small Economic Business and Development Advisory Committee are all signs that Glenville is on the rise and it seems as though it will keep moving in what residents feel is the right direction.
Supervisor Frank Quinn said the board approved the advisory committee last week which he hopes will not only bring information to the board about economic development but will also bring in new ideas.
We want to enhance our small businesses as well as attract major retailers, plus do it in a way that pleases our residents and doesn’t change the small-town feel of our community, said Quinn.
One of the newest businesses in town is the unique restaurant, `Yes, Virginia.` It opened earlier this month and is bringing in people from all over the Capital District, according to owner Elizabeth Meehan.
The theme restaurant is located at 442 Saratoga Road, across from Hewitt’s and in the old Glenville Saloon location. The restaurant celebrated its opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, hosted by the Chamber of Schenectady County on Tuesday, Jan. 8.
Meehan said she hopes to create a positive, creative gathering place for local high school students in the earlier portion of the day, followed by a full dinner menu beginning at 5 p.m. A former teacher, she said she then hopes to bring in crowds for the live acoustic guitar music for weekend nights.
`My grandmother, mother and sister are all named Virginia. I grew up hearing ‘Yes, Virginia there is a Santa Claus’ a lot,` Meehan said. `The famous newspaper editorial that appeared in The Sun in 1897 is very meaningful to me. It embodies fantasy and goodwill, the same things I want my restaurant to have. People having fun together, that’s what we’re all about.`
As for the town’s plan for a Target store, Quinn said that he has spoken with the owner of the old Kmart building, who wants to only lease, not sell the property. Quinn said Target is only interested in property it can buy and is now looking at other areas in Glenville.
`Target is very interested in Glenville. They see how successful they have been in surrounding areas,` said Quinn.
New town board member Chris Koetzle, who pitched the idea for the economic planning committee, said their objective is to bring in new business as well as take care of existing small businesses.
`We are just getting started in forming this committee. We are really excited on having the community weigh in on what they want to see from this committee and the town board as well,` said Koetzle.“
