DeCicco & Sons Supermarket OKd By Greenwich Planning And Zoning

Community Corner

DeCicco & Sons Supermarket OKd By Greenwich Planning And Zoning The NY-based supermarket chain received approval this week to open its first Connecticut location.

GREENWICH, CT — DeCicco & Sons , the New York-based supermarket chain with locations in Westchester County, will open its first Connecticut store in the Glenville section of Greenwich following approvals this week from the town's Planning & Zoning Commission.

The commission unanimously approved a final site plan and special permit to renovate the existing supermarket building at 21 Glenville St., which used to house a Stop & Shop. The grocery store closed in June 2023.

Also approved was a zoning map amendment to rezone a portion of the property.

DeCicco's posted on social media this past June that it will open in summer 2025.

Renovations to the site will include a 7,777-square-foot addition that will have an enclosed dumpster and loading dock area, a storage area, refrigeration storage, an entrance vestibule, second-floor mechanical and storage area, new rear entrance and parking lot expansion with a landscaped plaza, according to P&Z documents.

The parking lot will expand from 118 spaces to 178 plus 10 handicap spots thanks to the rezoning of the property.

During the public comment portion, Executive Director of the Greenwich Tree Conservancy Kate Dzikiewicz voiced concerns over the tree removal that's needed to expand the parking lot.

"The property at 21 Glenville St. sits directly between the busy Merritt Parkway and nearby homes, meaning the loss of trees in this area will increase local residents' exposure to pollutants from the parkway. A large portion of the tree removal is intended to make way for an expanded parking lot, and we question whether such an addition is truly necessary for the success of this project," Dzikiewicz said. "While we commend the applicant for working with the Tree Warden to select an appropriate species for new planting, it's important to note that young saplings do not adequately replace the benefits provided by mature trees."

Thomas Heagney, attorney for the applicant Glen Plaza Associates LLC, said there's a "robust" planting plan, and he noted there are almost 2 acres of land that will remain untouched at the site.

The rezoning of the parking lot was sought to attract a new supermarket tenant following Stop & Shop's exit.

"Frankly, without this parking lot, we don't have DeCicco's as a tenant," Heagney said. "There are a couple of large trees in there, but nothing of any significance that we're removing."

The Commission briefly discussed landscaping at the site before closing the application.

"We do know Glenville very much wants to have a supermarket. We want to be supportive of what does contribute to the village here," said Planning & Zoning Commission Chair Margarita Alban.

DeCicco & Sons was founded in 1973 by John DeCicco Sr., according to the company's website. The business began as a small grocery store in the Bronx, N.Y.

"For over 50 years, DeCicco & Sons has had a proud history of bringing the largest selection of high-quality food available to customers with a friendly, personal touch," the company's website says. "This simple, unwavering mentality has enabled the company to expand throughout Putnam and Westchester Counties."

There are now 10 stores open throughout Westchester in Ardsley, Armonk, Bedford, Brewster, Eastchester, Harrison, Larchmont, Millwood, Pelham and Somers. An 11th store in Sleepy Hollow is listed as "coming soon."

DeCicco & Sons also says on its website that the company is "involved in several civic and community-related events, regularly working with schools, town organizations, churches, and the Chamber of Commerce groups."