Wilmington Planning Board gives Peru credit union its blessing

WILMINGTON | Following an uneventful public hearing, Wilmington Planning Board members gave their blessing to a Peru Federal Credit Union plan to build a branch next to the Little Supermarket off of Rt. 86. "We look forward to having your business in our town," board Chairman Chip Grundon told Peru CEO Maggie Pope. Representing the credit union at the public hearing, Pope said the branch, to be open in late May, is part of a pattern of growth for Peru, which has been expanding into other communities. It plans to announce a name change in the near future to reflect its larger footprint, Pope said. It has also opened a commercial lending program and mortgage originator, giving it expanded ability to serve the community. "Every decision is made locally," she told board members. "You have the same philosophy that we do — you care about your community." Since opening branches in Au Sable Forks and Keeseville, "the growth has just been amazing," Pope said. The credit union has tapped into demand for financial services in the small communities in northern Essex County, Pope said. In other matters, the board appeared less enthusiastic over plans for a Dollar General chain store in roughly the same location, although they have limited authority to stop the project. The Dollar General is controversial in the town, which prides itself on its outdoorsy, noncommercial flavor, and is concerned that the bargain store will threaten locally owned businesses. About 25 people attended the meeting as board members questioned Caryn Mlodzianowski of Bohler, the Albany engineering firm that's handling the project. The public was not permitted to comment at the April 5 meeting, but will have opportunity to do so later in the process, Grunson said. But because there is no local zoning ordinance defining the property, board member Mike Goddeau said the panel cannot reject the project based on land use, or public opinion. Because the property currently occupied by a house, Goddeau said there's been an incorrect supposition that the land — across from the state police barracks — is residential and would need to be reclassified as commercial. Board members do have some influence over the scope of the development, and as such asked Mlodzianowski for an expanded environmental review and asked if the company would consider a store smaller than the proposed 10,600 feet. They also wanted more information about stormwater management. "The amount of runoff from Quaker Mountain can be excessive, and I'm concerned about drainage along Rt. 86," said board member Bob Peters, who also asked if more environmentally friendly permeable asphalt could be used for the parking lot. Mlodzianowski said the store will have natural looking materials to fit in with the community. It has received partial approval from the state Department of Transportation and is awaiting approval from the Adirondack Park Agency.

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Wilmington Planning Board gives Peru credit union its blessing

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