More downtown Newark to face the bulldozer?
By John Zornow

Rumblings of big changes on Newark's South Main St. reached a point this week when utilty markings and test boring sites started to appear.

John Bilotta, owner/executor of three parcels of land at the southwest corner of Main and Miller Streets confirmed that a Rochester developer representing a national retail chain had made an offer for the Bilotta properties as well as two others in the immediate area. . .

Gerard and Beth Palmer of Eggert Stationery, and Ted Fitzgerald of the Newark Fitness Club indicated that the same developer had tendered offers for their properties.

All property owners involved have said that they are prepared to accept the offers.

Gerard Palmer, whose wife Beth owns Eggert Stationery, cautioned however, that the offer has the normal escape clauses that are part of most real estate transactions - environmental impact studies, test borings, and planning and zoning action could alter the final outcome.

Local business persons affected by the proposed project have mixed feelings.

Agnes Gilbert, of Gilbert's Jewelers is upset at the possible bulldozing of more of downtown Newark. Mrs. Gilbert said that she is also upset that the village did away with Economic Development and the Village Engineer. "What will this do to the appearance of this village?"

John Bilotta, however, feels that this project will be the basis for the betterment of the community. He added that no grants, government programs or other tax dollars are involved in this project.

"This project is good, old-fashioned commercial development."

Joe Carnavale, local pharmacist, whose business borders the proposed development, said very simply, "Any project or commercial activity is good for downtown."

top of page
return to index

Copyright © 1997
Courier-Gazette, 613 S. Main St. Newark, N.Y. 14513
All Rights Reserved