We don’t need a Stewart’s in the Hilltowns

To the Editor:

Can Berne Supervisor Kevin Crosier be joking or just naive to state that a Stewart’s Shop somewhere in the town of Berne would be a boon to our local businesses?

We have been very fortunate in Berne since Mike Cecunjanin and his family opened the Fox Creek Market. They serve excellent pizza, good sandwiches, and provide a pleasant place to eat, socialize and have a good cup of coffee. It has become a vital part of the life of our historic hamlet.

I don't think Supervisor Crosier can be serious when he states that Stewart’s will attract visitors to Partridge Run or Switzkill Farm. Visitors will come up to these Berne attractions precisely because we do have a place to get a good lunch instead of Saran-wrapped sandwiches, pizza, or hot dogs that spend the last days of their lives rotating under hot lights in a closed case. If we want those items, we can pick them up on our way into town.

A possible location directly across from the school seems to be the worst place for a beer, cigarettes, and junk-food emporium. And what about the Mobil Mart in East Berne? Stewart’s will put its survival in jeopardy also.

A market that goes out of business will just be another empty building in our town. Just look at the Knox business district.

It is difficult for a small business to compete with a multi-million dollar firm. It is worth the effort on our part to preserve local businesses we already have. They are part of the life of our town.

Mr. Dake [William Dake is chairman and Gary Dake is president of Stewart’s Shops], your shops have us surrounded already; we don’t need a Stewart’s in the Hilltowns.

Richard J. Ronconi

Berne

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