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Tuckahoe Residents, Officials Reach Crossroads With Subway Proposal

EASTCHESTER, N.Y. – The proposal that would bring a Subway chain restaurant to Main Street in Tuckahoe is coming under fire, as residents continue circulating petitions condemning the idea of a “fast casual” establishment in the quaint village.

Tuckahoe resident Albert Stern addressing his concerns to the Board of Trustees.

Tuckahoe resident Albert Stern addressing his concerns to the Board of Trustees.

Photo Credit: Zak Failla
The Tuckahoe Board of Trustees kept the conversation alive as they determine the merits of a potential Subway franchise.

The Tuckahoe Board of Trustees kept the conversation alive as they determine the merits of a potential Subway franchise.

Photo Credit: Zak Failla

Citing a high volume of foot traffic from local businesses and commuters, developers with the popular sandwich franchise came to village officials with an aggressive proposal to set up shop in an empty storefront at 73 Main St.

In 2013, the Town of Eastchester passed an amendment to their zoning code that prohibits “fast, casual” eateries, including a ban of all chain restaurants, claiming that it “cheapened” the look of the business area. Due to that amendment, the developers have sought several variances that would reduce the amount of street parking required at the establishment, claiming that business would be reliant on the local foot traffic.

“We looked at a location on Columbus, but there wasn’t enough foot traffic. This location affords us access to more people on a daily basis,” Scarsdale architect Leonard Brandes, the man behind the proposal, said. “We want people to be able to walk over, get a sandwich and go back to their office or go to the park. We don’t need parking.”

Since the proposal was put on the table several months ago, it has come under fire from residents who fear that by allowing Subway to set up in the village, it will serve as a gateway for other chains looking to populate a suburb on the rise. In just a few months, petitioners have gotten more than 200 signatures, a large portion of the voting public.

“I don’t want, and a lot of people don’t want a (chain restaurant) that shouldn’t be here, and we truly believe that. There’s a very big concern that, if this is not restricted, that Marbledale Road will turn into a fast food alley,” Westview Avenue resident Albert Stern said at the latest Board of Trustees meeting. “A lot of these corporations can buy these lands and buildings, and it’s a very suitable place for them to put fast food type places.”

While some of the trustees briefly questioned the efficacy of the petitions, the board unanimously agreed to keep the discussion alive. It is on the agenda for the Tuesday, July 21 Planning Board meeting, and may be discussed at next month’s Zoning Board meeting.

Do you support a potential Subway franchise in Tuckahoe? Vote in our poll and continue the conversation in the comments section below. 

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