ShopRite Square has two more businesses joining the ranks in the redeveloped plaza, and a proposed new building with a drive-thru means another tenant is likely on the way.
Town of Niskayuna and Schenectady County officials on Wednesday, Feb. 6, announced two new tenants signed lease agreements with IMCC St. James, L.L.C, to open at the plaza. The tenants are Sakura Hibachi, a Japanese style steakhouse, and a nail salon, Splash Nails. IMCC is also planning to construct a new 1,750-square-foot building with a drive-thru facing Nott Street East.
IMCC owns the front portion of plaza facing Balltown Road and the former Friendly’s property. The new building will be in the vicinity of the former restaurant.
`Two new tenants, the demolition of the vacant Friendly’s and a new building facing … are all part of our efforts to continue the major transformation that has occurred in the past two years at ShopRite Square,” Town Supervisor Joe Landry said in a statement.
Landry thanked IMCC for continued investment in the plaza and for working to attract new tenants.
`We are pleased to work with the Town of Niskayuna and Schenectady County to continue the successful redevelopment of ShopRite Square,” Art Rendak, president of IMCC, said in a statement.
County Legislator Marty Finn, chairman of the legislature’s Committee on Economic Development and member of the county Industrial Development Agency, said redeveloping the plaza was a “major priority” for the county.
“By working together with the Town, we have transformed a largely vacant plaza into a very successful, expanding shopping destination,” Finn said in a statement.
The county IDA is providing a $35,000 grant toward demolition costs of the former Friendly’s, a project that is planned for late March. The demolition will allow for more parking and landscaping that joins the front of the plaza with the rest of the square.
“They haven’t come in for the demolition permit,” Landry said. “They are waiting for it to get a little warmer and spring to get here.”
Landry confirmed a restaurant is targeted for the new building, but didn’t have any further knowledge on negotiations.
Sakura Hibachi, serving sushi and hibachi fare, and Splash Nails will be moving into the former CVS at the front corner of the plaza. Landry said IMCC is planning to break the space into four separate properties.
The Town Board on Thursday, Feb. 14, is planning to call for a public hearing regarding a special use permit needed for further developments.
Recently leases were signed by TCBY Yogurt, Best Cleaners and Giant Discount Wine and Liquor at the plaza. Other tenants include LT’s Grill, Starbucks and Golden Phoenix.
