CHICK-FIL-A SEEKS APPROVAL FOR LOWER HUDSON VALLEY LOCATION
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AWARD
WINNING
EDITORIAL
INCLUDING THE HUDSON VALLEY
FEBRUARY 14, 2022
VOL. 58, No. 7 westfaironline.com
Front elevation rendering of
Chick-fil-A proposed for Yonkers.
CHICK-FIL-A SEEKS APPROVAL
FOR LOWER HUDSON VALLEY LOCATION
BY PETER KATZ fil-A. The company has more than Yonkers presently is review- The former bank building is 6,246 takeout windows in an area pro-
Pkatz@westfairinc.com 2,400 of its fast-food restaurant ing an application submitted by square feet in size and the site tected by a 1,888-square-foot can-
locations in 47 states, including the Chick-fil-A, Inc. to redevelop a 1.18- has 43 parking spaces and two opy. Ordering would take place at
C
District of Columbia. acre parcel the company is leasing drive-through lanes. The proper- a separate 1,386-square-foot can-
entral Park Avenue in It does not have an outlet in the at 2205 Central Park Ave. at the ty has access to both Central Park opy area. The indoor dining room
Yonkers, long noted as a lower Hudson Valley, but does have intersection of Roxbury Drive. Avenue and Roxbury Drive. and kitchen would occupy 3,813
focal point for shopping a presence in Connecticut, including The land is developed with a Chick-fil-A is proposing to square feet in the building. The
and food establishments ranging in Norwalk, Danbury, Newington, building that formerly housed an construct a new restaurant build- indoor restaurant and an outdoor
from fast food to fine dining, soon Glastonbury, Brook-field and West HSBC Bank branch. The existing ing, which would have two drive- patio area would have a total
may become home to a new Chick- Hartford. building would be demolished. through lanes. There would be » CHICK-FIL-A 6
Connecticut's maple syrup producers tap small but sweet profits
BY JUSTIN MCGOWN
bemoaned. But it was enthusiasti- “Last year the harvest was knowledge of the challenges he reported other association
jmcgown@westfairinc.com cally welcomed by the state’s small very poor across the entire maple facing maple syrup producers, members saw a similar short-
F
but serious community of maple region,” Mat Wilkinson, president as he also runs Wilkinson Farm fall. Nonetheless, he remains
ollowing an unusually syrup producers who rely on the of the Maple Syrup Producers in Tolland County’s Columbia. optimistic for 2022’s yield.
warm December, January freeze-thaw cycle to coax the sap Association of Connecticut Wilkinson has around 700 taps “This kind of extended cold
brought bitterly cold tem- they refine into syrup out of the (MSPAC). in trees. In 2021, his crop was freeze-thaw cycle we’re expe-
peratures that many in the state state’s maple trees. Wilkinson has firsthand only 70% of a normal year, and » MAPLE SYRUP 6
Urstadt Biddle
seeks to avoid a white elephant in Somers
We don’t create gimmicks
BY PETER KATZ CS zoning allows apartments as a to enrich ourselves;
Pkatz@westfairinc.com right, although not in five stories. we enrich our readers
He said that the overall redevel- with news about where they
U
opment would be about 358,000 live and work.
rstadt Biddle Properties, square feet. He said changes
owner of about 78 prop- required in the CS zoning in order
erties encompassing for the project to be built would MAIN OFFICE TELEPHONE
more than 5.1 million square feet include allowing apartments to 914-694-3600
of gross leasable area, is propos- be sited adjacent to retail space, OFFICE FAX
ing to make a significant change not just over retail. The permit- 914-694-3699
EDITORIAL EMAIL
to its Somers Commons shopping ted floor area ratio would need to
Phall@westfairinc.com
center at 80 U.S. Route 6 in Somers. be increased, as would allowable
WRITE TO
One of the shopping center's ground coverage. In addition, the 4 Smith Avenue, Suite #2
anchors, HomeGoods, is moving number of stories allowed would Mount Kisco, NY 10549
to the Cortlandt Town Center in need to be increased from two to
Mohegan Lake. Urstadt Biddle five.
proposes to demolish the exist- “What this asset does, it adds Publisher
ing commercial building housing value to the town,” Misra said. Dee DelBello
Co-Publisher/Creative
HomeGoods and replace it with “Additional property taxes, that's Dan Viteri
multifamily housing. a no-brainer. We also have to con- Associate Publisher
Urstadt Biddle, which is head- sider if the retail box goes away, it Anne Jordan
Willing "Wing" Biddle addresses the Somers Planning Board.
quartered in Greenwich, has pre- lies vacant and there would be a
sented its concept to the town of ter company of Marshalls and the “We've been looking at this proper- loss of taxes. Secondly, there are
Somers' Planning Board. The pro- owner, TJ Maxx, likes to cluster ty thinking, 'what could we do with additional sales taxes generated by NEWS
posed residential building would together its retail properties. the space that would be a better folks that live here.” Fairfield Bureau Chief
have 160 units in five stories along “We have a problem on our use than what's here now.'” It's estimated that the project & Senior Enterprise Editor • Phil Hall
with dedicated parking for the res- hands: we have a 30,000-square- Biddle said that there is a would generate from 180 to 200 Copy and Video Editor • Peter Katz
Senior Reporter • Bill Heltzel
idents. Additional shopping center foot box and I don't need to tell you trend around the country to make construction jobs. It's also estimat- Reporters
parking spaces could be used as all there's been a lot of challenges shopping centers into mixed-use ed that about 23 school-age chil- Georgette Gouveia, Peter Katz, Justin McGown
needed by residents or their visi- in the retail world certainly over properties where there can be res- dren would live in the project. Assistant Editor • Bridget McCusker
tors. There would be a mix of one-, the last two years but even before idential among stores in more of a “We've been a fixture in the Research Coordinator • Luis Flores
two- and three-bedroom apart- that due to the rise of internet “live-work-play” environment. community since 1992,” Biddle
ments with 15% of the units des- sales,” Biddle said. “It's more and “Probably 35% of the new said. “We want the community
ignated in the affordable housing more difficult to find what I'd call development in this country right to thrive and we are here to stay. ART & PRODUCTION
category. Urstadt Biddle would tar- big box retailers to come into this now that involves retail is mixed- Importantly, these properties Art Director
get millennials and baby boomers type of a shopping center, which is use,” Biddle said. “The old days of generate almost $1,150,000 of Sarafina Pavlak
Digital Media Designer
in marketing the apartments. a neighborhood grocery-anchored just building a shopping center and taxes. I think behind Pepsi and Alexandra Cali
Willing “Wing” Biddle, presi- shopping center.” then having housing the next lot IBM we're the largest private tax-
dent and CEO of Urstadt Biddle Biddle said they have reached over and then office the next lot payer in town. What's good for
Properties, explained that the com- out to about 100 different retail- over, that system or that thought Somers is good for us and I think
ADVERTISING SALES
pany owns three shopping centers ers and are not doing very well in has really changed and morphed vice versa.”
Manager • Anne Jordan
in Somers: Heritage 202; Town terms of attracting a quality retailer into a mixed-use concept. Quality The town's planning consul- Metro Sales & Custom Publishing Director
Center; and Somers Commons. to the HomeGoods space. retailers prefer to be in mixed-use tant David Smith reported that a Barbara Hanlon
“Somers Commons has always “I'm very concerned that developments these days.” retail campus in Yorktown is pro- Marketing & Events Director • Fatime Muriqi
been a pretty successful shopping this store is going to go dark and Biddle said that people who posing to add a residential compo- Marketing Partner • Marcia
Larissa Pflug
Lovo
Events Sales & Development • Marcia Pflug
center for us,” Biddle said. “It's obvi- we're not going to be able to find live in shopping center housing nent and that underutilized office
ously anchored by Stop & Shop a replacement for it,” Biddle said. shop at the stores, support restau- parks are being converted to res-
that does well and its other anchor “The HomeGoods space is about rants there and drive less. He idential and mixed uses. He sug- AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT
is HomeGoods. It has about 27 220 feet deep and it's about 160 said that offering housing at the gested that the town would need Manager • Daniella Volpacchio
Research Assistant • Sarah Kimmer
stores and there are about four feet wide. There is some demand shopping center in Somers would to examine potential impacts from
vacancies in that shopping center for small stores although we do be attractive for millennials who introducing residential to the shop- ADMINISTRATION
now. It's a good size shopping cen- have four small stores available wanted to try out the town as well ping center in areas such as traffic Contracted CFO Services
ter. It's an interesting area. It has now. The problem is there's no as seniors who want to downsize and infrastructure including water Adornetto & Company L.L.C.
the multifamily Avalon Bay devel- demand for big stores.” and remain there. and sewer. Westchester County Business Journal (USPS# 7100)
Fairfield County Business Journal (USPS# 5830) is
opment next to it. It has a senior Biddle said that dividing the Anup Misra, Urstadt Biddle's A number of Planning Board published Weekly, 52 times a year by Westfair Commu-
nications, Inc., 701 Westchester Ave., White
housing project next to it and then vacated HomeGoods space into consultant for the proposal who members praised the general con- Plains, NY 10604. Periodicals Postage rates
paid at White Plains, NY, USA 10610.
it's got single-family and other com- a number of small stores would formerly was a senior vice presi- cept but questioned the proposed POSTMASTER: Send address changes to:
mercial.” result in creation of narrow floor dent at developer Trammell Crow five-story height while also suggest- Westchester County Business Journal and
Fairfield County Business Journal:
Biddle noted that Somers plans that would not be practical. Company, said that a residential ing they might be comfortable with by Westfair Communications, Inc.,
701 Westchester Ave, White Plains, NY 10604.
Commons is at the border with “We're looking at a potential structure with 160 units would be a three stories. Annual subscription $60; $2.50 per issue
Putnam County. He said that white elephant and we're scared of perfect fit for the location and that Biddle said that the purpose More than 40 percent of the
Business Journal is printed on recycled newsprint.
HomeGoods likely would be leav- that and we don't like what that's the Avalon Bay apartment com- of the informal presentation to the © 2022 Westfair Communications Inc. All rights reserved.
ing the 30,000-square-foot space going to do to the value of the plex with 152 units is “doing fantas- planners was to get feedback to Reproduction in whole or in part without written permis-
sion is prohibited.
it occupies in early March. He said shopping center or the effect on tically well, which means there's help in crafting a formal proposal
A MEMBER OF
that the reason they're moving is the other tenants in the shopping a demand for quality residential that would go before the Somers
that Marshalls is in the Cortlandt center and we're trying to be as housing in this town.” Town Board and then receive a for-
Town Center, HomeGoods is a sis- proactive as we can,” Biddle said. Misra said that the existing mal review by the Planning Board.
2 FEBRUARY 14, 2022 FCBJ WCBJ
Yonkers Nissan sues Nissan to block White Plains dealership
BY BILL HELTZEL
Mark Brennan. Better Business Bureau. The
Bheltzel@westfairinc.com Nissan notified the dealer- White Plains store, as well as a
C
ship on Jan. 10 that it intended to Mount Kisco dealership owned by
entral Avenue Nissan has allow Jonathan L. Stern to open a Flom, were selling vehicles "out of
accused Nissan North dealership at 450-460 Tarrytown trust," according to court records.
America and Nissan Motor Road, Greenburgh -- 5.9 miles Instead of repaying loans to
Acceptance Co. of violating the New from Central Avenue Nissan -- to Nissan when vehicles were sold,
York Franchised Motor Vehicle replace a previous Nissan dealer- the dealers were "pocketing the
Dealer Act, in a complaint filed ship that had operated nearby. sale proceeds," according to a
Jan. 26 in U.S. District Court, White Neither the Nissan letter nor federal court ruling in 2018. The
Plains, to stop the carmaker from the lawsuit mention that the pre- judge ordered Flom's companies
opening a White Plains dealership. vious dealership, White Plains to pay Nissan $40.2.
"Good cause to invade Central Nissan, 500 Tarrytown Road, Besides the state franchised
Avenue's market area does not closed in 2016 during a financial dealer law, Central Avenue Nissan
exist in this case," the complaint dispute with the automaker. accused Nissan of violating the
states. The proposed dealer is war- federal Automobile Dealer's Day
Nissan regional spokesman ranted, according to the Nissan in Court Act for allegedly under-
Steven Oldham declined to com- letter, by "economic and market- are struggling to meet customer But Westchester County's mining its rights to operate with-
ment on the lawsuit. But the car- ing conditions" and will "benefit demand because of a shortage of population has declined slightly, out improper competition; breach
maker said in a Jan. 10 letter to the public welfare through great- computer chips that has limited according to the complaint, and of contract; and breach of implied
Central Avenue Nissan that a new er customer convenience and the supply of new cars. Central Avenue Nissan is "more covenant of good faith and fair
dealership "will enhance the per- improve the service to consumers "As a result, the complaint than adequately meeting the dealing.
formance of its dealer network in the local area." states, "Central Avenue cannot needs of the consuming public." It is asking the court to enjoin
and improve its brand presence Central Avenue Nissan says maintain an adequate invento- The complaint also notes that Nissan from establishing a dealer-
in the greater White Plains, New there is no need for a new dealer. ry of vehicles to meet customer three attempts to open automo- ship at the proposed location or
York marketplace." Its track record of success exceeds demand." bile dealerships at the proposed any other location in its market
Central Avenue Nissan is on Nissan's and customers' expecta- The dealer argues that Nissan location have failed. area and to award unspecified
Central Park Avenue in Northeast tions, the complaint states. must demonstrate "good cause," And next door, Gary B. Flom, damages.
Yonkers. It was formed in 2003 The proposed dealership under New York law, including, of Manhattan, had opened White Manhattan attorney Michael
and is owned, according to its would also harm Central Avenue for example, population growth Plains Nissan in 2014 and quick- Yellin represents Central Avenue
website, by F. James Rourke and Nissan as automobile dealers and inadequate competition. ly earned an "F" rating with the Nissan.
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FCBJ WCBJ FEBRUARY 14, 2022 3
Junior Achievement connects companies with
future workforce via a virtual platform
BY PHIL HALL
Phall@westfairinc.com
J unior Achievement of
Greater Fairfield County
recently rolled out JA
Inspire Virtual 2022, an online
workforce development initiative
designed to provide local middle
and high school students with the
chance to explore high-growth,
high-demand jobs with local com-
panies.
The initiative, which debuted
on Feb. 7 and runs through Aug.
7, enables students to explore vir-
tual company booths, hear from
industry professionals and engage
with guest speakers and panelists
on careers and industries. The
nonprofit conducted a similar pro-
gram in 2021 that attracted stu-
dents from more than 50 schools
and community organizations.
Bernadine Venditto, president
of Junior Achievement of Greater
Fairfield County, stated the ini-
tiative was designed to “provide a A student having an online conversation via the JA Virtual initiative. Photo courtesy Junior Achievement.
meaningful experience, virtually,
for students, but it also addresses force pipeline. Technology Corp. in Danbury tive, Venditto added, JA Inspire wider student audience.
the career readiness and the need “The companies talk about is the title sponsor for this Virtual “gives students more “We primarily work with pub-
for building a pathway for stu- different jobs and what skills are year’s endeavor and other experiences to connect with the lic schools, but we are certainly
dents to the workforce.” needed for these different jobs,” top sponsors include Webster business community and and a open to other schools as well,” she
Venditto noted the partic- she said. “The kids enter this vir- Bank, Santa Energy, Aquarion pathway to get from where they said. “If parents hear about this
ipating companies are Junior tual experience — it almost seems Water Co. and KPMG. Fairfield are to the workforce.” and parents say, ‘This would be
Achievement partners, with the like a trade show — and they're University, M&T Bank and Venditto is aiming to have wonderful for my child,’ they can
nonprofit making an extra effort able to visit different booths and Bigelow Tea Co. are also among 3,000 students participate in JA also participate.”
to select firms in “industries that learn about the career opportuni- the local entities participating Inspire Virtual 2022, noting that More information on JA
are in high demand,” which are ties in these different industries.” in the initiative. the nonprofit is eager to spread Virtual 2022 is online at jagfc.org/
eager to strengthen their work- Odyssey Logistics & From the educators’ perspec- the word about this endeavor to a event/ja-inspire-virtual-2022/.
New chamber of commerce focuses
on Connecticut's cannabis industry
BY PHIL HALL ness operators and government nesses across the state have more
Phall@westfairinc.com officials while serving as “a forum questions than answers,” said
for productive collaboration and Glissman. “We hope to serve as a
A
industry advocacy.” resource to help explain the pro-
new trade organization The chamber’s leader- cess and provide insight into how
focused on growing ship team includes: Deborah best to navigate it.”
Connecticut’s cannabis A. Caviness, president of the “Legalization brings enor-
industry has begun operations. Greater Bridgeport Opportunities mous opportunities for our
The Hartford-headquartered Industrialization Center and state residents and, in partic-
Connecticut Cannabis Chamber of co-founder of the Southern ular, those communities most
Commerce defines its mission as Connecticut Black Chamber negatively impacted by the war
being “the voice of diverse stake- of Commerce; attorney Daniel on drugs,” added Caviness. “The
holders across the entire canna- Glissman of the Hartford law firm chamber will help connect these
bis industry landscape, working MacDermid Reynolds & Glissman; communities to opportunities
to make Connecticut's medical and Adam Wood, principal of the through training, education
and adult-use markets safe, fair public affairs firm City & State and by helping to bring together
and equitable.” The new chamber LLC. those already successful in the
added it would provide informa- “With the emergence of this industry with those looking to
tion and resources for both busi- new industry in our state, busi- enter it.”
4 FEBRUARY 14, 2022 FCBJ WCBJ
The Learning Experience eyes wider
Connecticut expansion
BY JUSTIN MCGOWN
children. There’s an underserved popu- thropic outlook and giving back to the communities that we serve comes
jmcgown@westfairinc.com lation right now that needs our services.” community. through the providing of jobs in our
T
According to Wahl, the company’s The characters also are featured prom- schools,” Wahl said, noting that each
he Learning Experience, a chain proprietary curriculum is built around inently in The Learning Experience’s dig- location will employ roughly 30 local
of education and daycare cen- an expanding list of cheerful animal ital content, which includes an app that staff members and certified teachers.
ters for children ranging from mascots who serve as guides alongside parents can use to track progress and “There also will be an inherent need
infancy to kindergarten, is expanding its teachers for each topic. additional content to extend the learning for services to support our school that
Connecticut presence with a new location “It’s all about creating that joyful opportunities into the home. come from the local community," Wahl
in Wilton this spring, in Enfield and Avon environment, and the word happiness In addition to extensive offerings for said. Additionally, we teach and develop
by the end of the year and in Danbury and is really big for us,” Wahl explained. children’s education and enrichment, the children not just to be smarter but to
Vernon during 2023. “Always has been, always will be. We’re Wahl emphasized the impact each loca- be better members of the community. To
The company traces its roots back creating an environment where the tion will have in the communities where have a positive influence on it over time
to May 1980 when Michael Weissman children run into our schools because they are located. by teaching life lessons that will also
opened his first childcare center in Boca they know that during the day they’re “Having a positive impact on the have a positive impact on communities.”
Raton, Florida. Today, The Learning going on a journey with Bubbles and
Experience has 337 locations across the meeting more and more of Bubbles
country — including Fairfield County Friends.”
sites in Fairfield, Newtown, Stamford Among the 90 animal mascots are
and Trumbull — and further expansion Bubbles, a blue elephant who is the flag-
and franchising opportunities are being ship mascot for the franchise. Wahl said
explored. that while other franchises have propri-
“We believe that we will gain mar- etary curriculums, only The Learning
ket share because we offer something Experience has characters tied to each
that is unique and differentiated and individual topic. They include Flexi the
nothing like what parents have access to flamingo and Miss Chievous the monkey
right now,” said Brad Wahl, The Learning for physical fitness classes, Leonstein the
Experience’s chief brand officer, of the lion for science topics, Gibby the gibbon
company’s expansion in Connecticut. for sign language instruction, and a pair
“But additionally, we see lots of growth of dogs named Grace and Charity who
in those areas of families with young emphasize the importance of a philan-
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A view of a class at The Learning Experience. Contributed photo. On the Greenwich CT town line
FCBJ WCBJ FEBRUARY 14, 2022 5
1 Chick-fil-A—
of 54 seats.
Chick-fil-A says that the site is surround-
ed by other commercial uses to the north,
east and south as well as residential uses
to the west. It is in the “BR — Restricted
Business” zoning district. Fast food restau-
rants are permitted in the BR district
subject to site plan review by the Yonkers
Planning Board.
The cost of the project is estimated at
$1.5 million, according to Chick-fil-A. It says
that 60 to 80 construction jobs would be
created and that the project could be built
in six months. It said that when opened,
the restaurant would employ from 125
to 150 local people. Chick-fil-A said that
there would be three shifts during the
restaurant’s normal operating hours of
6:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Monday through
Saturday and 15 people would work on
each shift. The restaurant would be closed
on Sundays. Closing on Sundays is a tra-
dition established by company founder
Truett Cathy.
Cathy got into the food business when
he opened a diner in Hapeville, Georgia, in
1946. Because he worked such long ours,
he decided it would make sense to take
Sundays off and keep the business closed.
One thing he worked on was trying to A Chick-Fil-A location in Wallingford, Connecticut. Photo by Mike Mozart / Flickr Creative Commons.
develop a unique chicken sandwich. It took
years but finally, in 1964, Cathy perfected to the Yonkers opening, it would bring and along the Central Park Avenue front- accordance with state standards, it will
his recipe for serving a breaded boneless in an experienced team to provide sup- age. The retaining walls along Roxbury be released into the existing drainage
chicken breast with pickles on a buttered port to the local operator and new Drive and Central Park Avenue are pro- system at Central Park Avenue just as the
bun. The company credits that event with employees. Approximately 20 trainers, posed to be removed and replaced while bank had been doing.
being the start of Chick-fil-A. Cathy would five marketing professionals and addi- the wall to the rear of the site is proposed Chick-fil-A says that vehicular circula-
go on to open the first Chick-fil-A restaurant tional coordination staff would stay in to remain. tion patterns through the site would be sim-
in Atlanta’s Greenbriar Mall in 1967. The Yonkers to support the new store for The site plan proposes an overall ilar to the way they had been with the bank.
menu now includes additional items such approximately four weeks following the decrease in impervious surfaces at the A new ADA compliant pedestrian access
as salads, side dishes, breakfast sandwiches opening. site of approximately 6.7% from exist- will be provided between the restaurant
and shakes. According to plans submitted to the ing conditions, which would somewhat and the existing sidewalk along Central
Chick-fil-A has its headquarters in city, there are existing retaining walls at decrease the amount of stormwater run- Park Avenue. New energy-efficient onsite
Atlanta. It said that during the run-up the rear of the site, along Roxbury Drive, off. Once stormwater has been treated in lighting would be installed.
1 Maple syrup—
riencing lends itself to a higher sugar time maple guy in the state,” Wilkinson sugar maples are a bit more picky about
content in the sap,” he said. “This may continued. “That would be Rob where they live and grow.”
be a better season than we saw last year, Lamothe of Lamothe’s Sugar House in That means that while climate
provided the temperatures cooperate Burlington.” change can have an impact on the har-
during the actual maple season.” But, he added, there are at least vest in Connecticut it will often be a
Wilkinson said there are, on average, 100 commercial scale syrup producers smaller one than in areas that rely more
150 members of MSPAC, but Covid has in every county and most municipal- heavily on sugar maples, which may
driven many people to experiment with ities of the state. Many use the syrup not stand up to changing climate con-
making their own syrup and brought the to supplement other incomes — for his ditions.
membership in the past year up as high part, Wilkinson works full time for the Wilkinson said that another aspect of
as 200 members — this includes individu- National Guard and maintains his sug- maple production in Connecticut is that
als, farms and community organizations. aring alongside beekeeping. Other syrup since farmers are able to sell almost all
According to Wilkinson, Connecticut producers are hobbyists who don’t pro- of what they produce directly through
is ranked tenth among maple syrup pro- duce enough to sell. farmer’s markets or retail sales, they
ducing states. While the U.S. Department Wilkinson noted that much of the don’t worry about bulk prices.
of Agriculture (USDA) stopped tracking syrup produced in the state is made with “The average retail price for a gallon
production outside of the top four states, sap gathered from red maples, which are of syrup in Connecticut was $70, and I
there is still widespread small-scale pro- generally considered inferior in terms of would say it’s probably gone up and clos-
duction. overall production compared with sugar er to $75,” Wilkinson said, adding that
“They’re tapping down in West maples but have the benefit of being the business is driven more by passion
Virginia, and Kentucky,” Wilkinson said. sturdier trees that better withstand the than finance.
In 2016, the last year with official effects of climate change. “We do it because we love it,” he said.
USDA statistics, Connecticut produced “Connecticut has a really large per- “If we paid ourselves, we’d go broke.
20,000 gallons of maple syrup, which centage of red maples, about 20% of trees There’s a lot of hours in it but we love
represented roughly $1.5 million in prod- in the state are red maples and about 7% what we do, and just like any agriculture
uct. are sugar maples,” Wilkinson explained.” you can’t really look at it in an hourly
“I would say there’s only one full- Red maples are a bit more versatile and Photo courtesy of Mat Wilkinson. rate.”
6 FEBRUARY 14, 2022 FCBJ WCBJ
CONTRIBUTING WRITER | By Norman G. Grill
Tax credit for hiring the long-term unemployed
BY NORMAN G. GRILL
Eligible employees
I
The other groups include certain veter-
t’s been a red flag when a job applicant has ans and recipients of various kinds of public
been out of work for a long time. However, assistance, among others. Specifically, the 10
that stigma may no longer be valid. In this groups are:
era of pandemics, there are good reasons for • Temporary Assistance for Needy
someone to have been out of the labor force Families (TANF) recipients,
for an extended period. • Unemployed veterans, including dis-
And there are valuable tax credits for abled veterans,
hiring the long-term unemployed and other • Formerly incarcerated individuals,
groups facing significant barriers to employ- • Designated community residents liv-
ment. ing in Empowerment Zones or Rural
Renewal Counties, Photo credit Pix4Free.
Background • Vocational rehabilitation referrals,
Legislation recently enacted extended • Summer youth employees living in agency (SWA). Do not submit this form to ans. These organizations claim the credit
the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) Empowerment Zones, the IRS. against payroll taxes on Form 5884-C, Work
through the end of 2025. This long-standing • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Form 8850 must be submitted to the Opportunity Credit for Qualified Tax Exempt
tax benefit encourages employers to hire Program (SNAP) recipients, SWA within 28 days after the eligible worker Organizations.
workers certified as members of any of ten • Supplemental Security Income (SSI) begins work. Eligible businesses claim the
targeted groups facing barriers to employ- recipients, WOTC on their federal income tax return. It This column is for information only and
ment. • Long-term family assistance recipients, is generally based on wages paid to eligible should not be considered advice. If you're a
Millions of Americans have been out • Long-term unemployment recipients. workers during the first year of employment. business owner who wants to take advantage
of work at one time or another since the The credit is first figured on Form 5884, Work of this tax-saving credit, but aren't sure you
pandemic began, but one of these targeted Qualifying for the credit Opportunity Credit, and then is claimed on qualify, contact your tax advisor.
groups is long-term unemployment recipi- To qualify for the credit, an employer Form 3800, General Business Credit. Norm Grill, CPA, is managing partner of
ents who have been unemployed for at least must first request certification by submit- Though the credit is not available to Grill & Partners, LLC certified public accoun-
27 consecutive weeks and have received state ting IRS Form 8850, Pre-screening Notice tax-exempt organizations for most groups tants and consultants to closely held com-
or federal unemployment benefits during and Certification Request for the Work of new hires, a special rule allows them to panies and high-net-worth individuals, with
part or all of that time. Opportunity Credit, to their state workforce claim the WOTC for hiring qualified veter- offices in Fairfield and Darien.
Local roads cited
among worst in nation of companies not taking advantage of tax credits and
for truck bottlenecks incentives?
BY PHIL HALL
Our team designs specialized retirement plans for business owners
74th for its congested stretch of I-287. completely funded from little known tax credits and incentives most
Phall@westfairinc.com The nation’s most congested highway CPAs don't know about.
H
for truckers is located across the Hudson
ighways within Fairfield County River: I-95 at SR 4 in Fort Lee, New Jersey,
and the lower Hudson Valley topped ATRI’s list for 2022. Norton Advisory Group has over 35 years of
region were cited in the 2022 list “ATRI's bottleneck list is a road-
published by the American Transportation map for federal and state administra- experience helping business owners with:
Research Institute (ATRI) of the nation’s tors responsible for prioritizing infra-
most congested bottlenecks for trucks. structure investments throughout Retirement Planning
The 2022 Top Truck Bottleneck List the country,” said American Trucking
measures the level of truck-involved con- Associations President and CEO Chris Buy-Sell and Succession Planning
gestion at over 300 locations on the Spear. “Every year, ATRI's list highlights
national highway system. The analysis the dire needs for modernizing and
Estate Planning and More
is culled from truck GPS data involving improving our roads and bridges," "We
more than 1 million freight trucks — and have seen, most recently in Pittsburgh, To see if your business is owed money from these
while the bottleneck locations detailed that the cost of doing nothing could also federal, state and local tax credits and incentives...
in this year’s list represent the top 100 cost lives. It's time to fund these proj-
congested locations, ATRI continuously ects and get our supply chains moving
monitors more than 300 freight-critical again."
locations. The ATRI data is the latest statisti-
Three Fairfield County locations cal report highlighting the challenging
made the top 100 list, all involving con- environment on the region’s highways.
gestion I-95: 37th ranked Stamford, Last summer, a study published the
56th ranked Norwalk and 79th ranked National Highway Safety Administration
Bridgeport. and QuoteWizard determined that
Across the New York border, Rye Connecticut ranked fifth and New York
45 Rockefeller Pl. Ste. 2000 New York, NY
ranked 17th in the nation for the intersec- ranked 16th among the states for the
tion of I-95 and I-287, while Nyack ranked number of traffic-related fatalities. (212) 574-7943 • www.nortonadvisorygroup.com
FCBJ WCBJ FEBRUARY 14, 2022 7
Waterstone on High Ridge,
a new senior housing community, opens in Stamford
BY JUSTIN MCGOWN
M A K IN G
jmcgown@westfairinc.com
I M PA C T AN
W aterstone on High Ridge, a new
community for seniors featur-
ing independent living, assisted
living and memory care residential units, has
opened in Stamford at the former General
2 02
2
Electric campus.
Created by Epoch Senior Living and
National Development, the facility is already
at 60% capacity and the first residents have
begun moving in.
One of the first arrivals is retired oil
industry executive E.J. Morgan, who was
attracted to the facility because it offers dif-
ferent levels of care. He and his wife moved
from their home in New Canaan — Morgan
is in an independent living apartment while
his wife is in the memory unit.
“I think this is a great business model,”
Morgan said. “Because it allows somebody
coming here for independent living to live
just like they’re in a regular apartment in
Stamford. But if you need some assistance
you can engage in assisted living, and if you
have a memory issue there’s a unit for that.
You can get accommodation across a broad
spectrum.
“My wife is a dementia patient,” Morgan
added. “She used to be in another memory
care facility here in Fairfield County, but
this facility enabled us to see each other
every day It’s a wonderful set-up for that
particular situation.”
Pricing varies among Waterstone’s res-
idential categories: all-inclusive monthly
fees for independent living start at $8,950
for a one bedroom while assisted living
apartments start at $10,500 for a one-bed-
room unit and all-inclusive monthly rates
Photo courtesy Epoch Senior Living
for memory care suites start at $8,750.
Waterstone eschews the buy-in fee
many senior living facilities implement The lobby features welcoming and styl-
while providing a range of housing options ish double-sided fireplaces and a concierge
from one- to two-bedroom units with an desk, which is also host to a set of liquor
included den and full kitchen. lockers where residents who want a drink
All residents have access to a gym with with their meal will be able to access their
a personal trainer, an indoor pool (which own collection, country-club style.
was still being completed when the devel- "We are so excited to announce the
opment opened) and a daily selection of opening of Waterstone on High Ridge and
freshly prepared meals. Community-based to welcome our first residents,” said Joanna
social activities include an art studio with Cormac Burt, chief operating officer of
easels and painting supplies and a “Country Epoch Senior Living, in a press statement.
Kitchen” where guest chefs will demon- "Waterstone on High Ridge offers the per-
strate how to cook new dishes. fect location for many senior residents in
The location on High Ridge Road pro- Fairfield County looking for a luxurious
vides the site with easy access to downtown setting with supportive services and a mul-
Stamford and both I-95 and the Merritt titude of social opportunities. In addition,
Parkway, alongside convenient under- we offer assisted living so residents who
ground parking provided for independent need additional care can avail themselves A view of an independent living apartment. Photo by Justin McGown.
living residents. The assisted living section of this option.’’ Connecticut’s Legislative Commission on residents in most towns will be over the age
is equipped with a dedicated entrance While Waterstone is drawing many Aging found in a recent study that more of 65. That includes the affluent sections
while providing shared access to the same residents with its high-end accommoda- than one third of the state’s population is of Fairfield County, which may soon see
facilities. tions, it is also serving a growing market. already over 50, and by 2025 over 20% of spikes in demand for upscale eldercare.
8 FEBRUARY 14, 2022 FCBJ WCBJ
BRIEFS
COMPILED BY PHIL HALL
Fairfield University opportunities for Fairfield University. The and “All Things Considered” news programs
in media pact internships will be financed by the school’s and Connecticut Public’s daily and week-
Darien’s Great Island with Connecticut Public new Arts & Sciences Guarantee, a fellowship day talk shows, including “Where We Live”
relisted at $100M Fairfield University has entered into an
which provides up to $2,500 in support
to each student who secures an approved
and “The Colin McEnroe Show.” Fairfield
University will also provide occasional use
Great Island, a 63.5-acre private island educational partnership with Connecticut unpaid internship with Connecticut Public. of the WVOF studio to Connecticut Public for
in Darien, has been relisted at a reduced Public, the parent organization of The new partnership also includes a con- special radio broadcasts.
price of $100 million. Connecticut Public Television (CPTV) and tent distribution agreement for WVOF-FM Connecticut Public will also have
The property was previously listed in Connecticut Public Radio (WNPR). 88.5, which will broadcast weekly top of the an on-campus presence in Fairfield
2016 for $175 million, which would have Under the terms of the partnership, hour newscasts from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., University’s new Media Center, provid-
been a record-breaking sum if a buyer had Connecticut Public will provide internship in addition to the NPR “Morning Edition”
» BRIEFS 12
stepped forward. However, no buyer could
be found, and was relisted in 2018 for $120
market before being removed from sale in
2019.
Originally created as the summer home
of industrialist William Ziegler, the main
residence on Great Island is a 9-bedroom,
6.5-bath, 13,000-square-foot manor house
built in 1905. Other structures on the island
include a 19th-century farmhouse, guest
and caretaker houses, a seaside cottage,
an 18-stall granite stable, and Grand Prix
indoor and outdoor riding arenas. The
island also offers more than one mile of
coastline directly on the Long Island Sound
and a deepwater dock.
Jennifer Leahy, a listing agent with
Douglas Elliman, told the Wall Street
Journal that the nine-digit listing price was
“very realistic.”
“Although I’d love to say there are many
buyers that can buy a $100 million proper-
ty, there aren’t,” Leahy said. “This is for the
1% of the 1%.”
Frontier lawsuit
seeks to stop
robocalling
Frontier Communications has filed a Bond, Schoeneck and King Opens a Westchester Office
lawsuit against a Wyoming company, accus-
ing it of harassing its Connecticut custom- Bond has New York State covered! Now with a presence in every
ers with robocalls.
The Norwalk-headquartered Frontier’s major metropolitan area, Bond has closed any distance between
litigation charges Mobi Telecom LLC with our attorneys and the clients who rely on them.
ignoring telecom industry standards
regarding robocalls. The lawsuit, which was
filed in U.S. District Court, said the robocalls A full-service law firm serving businesses, colleges and universities,
are damaging Frontier’s landline telephone public sector entities, including school districts, Bond has 250
service because customers have become
frustrated and annoyed by the robocalls. lawyers, including eight resident in the Westchester office.
“We still have a substantial number of
landline customers,” said Mark Nielsen, Bond – Essential to Your Business©
Frontier’s chief legal officer, in a press state-
ment. “We want it to be a positive experi-
ence.”
Frontier is seeking a court order to force
Mobi to stop robocalling its customers,
along with unspecified financial compensa-
tion. Connecticut law prohibits unsolicited
sales calls to state residents on the “Do Not
Call” registry unless they receive written ALBANY BUFFALO GARDEN CITY NEW YORK CITY ROCHESTER
permission allowing these calls — the law- SARATOGA SPRINGS SYRACUSE UTICA WESTCHESTER
suit accused Mobi for channeling robocalls
from entities in other parts of the country 10 Bank Street - Suite 1120, White Plains, New York 10606 • 914.306.7801 • BSK.COM
and overseas.
FCBJ WCBJ FEBRUARY 14, 2022 9
22 Winyah Terrace, New Rochelle
New Rochelle handyman
accuses Bronx company
of taking his home
BY BILL HELTZEL by Campbell. He was not given the attorney's
Bheltzel@westfairinc.com name and was told that the attorney would
A
represent him.
New Rochelle handyman says he Instead of transferring the property to his
turned to a client to help save his friend, Avalos says in the affidavit, he was told
house from foreclosure, only to lose that it would be transferred to Campbell's
his home in an elaborate scheme. company, Campal Corp., of the Bronx.
Felipe D. Avalos and his ex-wife, Arcelia Then a representative of a title company
Avalos, accused Marcia Campbell, Campal said he wanted to speak with Avalos privately,
Corp., and Planet Management Group of according to the affidavit.
fraud, in a complaint filed last month in Instead, Campbell called the attorney
Westchester Supreme Court. into a side room. "When they came out, noth-
Campbell allegedly told Felipe Avalos ing more was said and the closing continued."
that she could save his home. Avalos claims that he was given no docu-
"It was clear that we were desperate ments from the closing.
and were willing to try anything," the com- He understood that the property would
plaint states. Now Campbell and Planet be mortgaged to HSBC Bank, according to
Management, a mortgage company, seek his affidavit, and that loan would be used to
"to finish the fraud by having me physically pay off the existing mortgage. But now he
removed from the house so that they can believes the new loan was more than needed
sell it and take the remaining value ... for to pay off the old mortgage.
themselves." The property was deeded to Campal for
Attorneys for Campbell, Campal and $350,000 in January 2020, according to a
Planet Management did not respond to Westchester County property record, and
emails asking for their clients' sides of the it was mortgaged, not to HSBC Bank, but
story. to Planet Management Group, of Melville,
The Avaloses bought the house at Winyah Suffolk County, for $451,500.
Terrace for $349,000 in 2002 and later mort- Avalos continued to live in the house.
gaged it to IndyMac Bank for $455,000. Campbell allegedly demanded $5,800 a
"Unfortunately, we experienced financial month to pay the mortgage and put the
issues and were unable to pay the underlying property up for sale.
mortgage," Felipe Avalos states in an affidavit, Then in March 2021, Avalos was served
"and the bank commenced a foreclosure with an eviction notice. That action is pend-
action against us." ing in New Rochelle city court.
IndyMac filed for foreclosure in 2016, Campbell and Campal obtained the prop-
seeking more than $332,000. erty by fraud, according to the complaint,
Avalos says Campbell offered to help him and Planet Management should have known
in 2019, by getting the property transferred to that the transfer to Campal was fraudulent.
a friend of his. Then after two years he could The Avaloses are asking the court to
refinance the house in his name. declare them as the owners of the property;
Avalos claims that Campbell repeatedly cancel the deed to Campal Corp. and the
demanded money to make the transfer work mortgage to Planet Management; and award
and he ultimately paid her $43,000. unspecified damages.
When the closing was held in 2020, he They are represented by White Plains
was allegedly introduced to an attorney hired attorney Mark A. Guterman.
10 FEBRUARY 14, 2022 FCBJ WCBJHIGHER LEARNING STAMFORD’S TOP EMPLOYERS A DESIRABLE LOCATION
opporTuniTies call This vibranT abunDanT acTiviTies, reTail
STAMFORD
For sTuDenTs ciTy Their home anD Dining opTions
CONNECTICUT
+
THE STAMFORD REGION
INSIDER'S GUIDE 2022 MEMbErshIp DIrECTOry
10 Fun Things To Do in sTamForD & rEsOUrCE gUIDE
FCBJ WCBJ FEBRUARY 14, 2022 11BRIEFS
ing organized and ad hoc opportunities to es and elevate our student experience with nered with YouTube personality MrBeast fans to win 540 gaming accessory items for
connect with working media professionals hands-on career opportunities,” said Fairfield on the launch of the latter’s Feastables line their consoles and PCs. The promotion will
through special events and job shadowing. University President Mark R. Nemec. of healthier snack foods. run through August.
“As we move forward on the path to The first product in the launch is the The 23-year-old MrBeast — whose real
national prominence, innovating our aca-
demic programs while introducing scores of
Turtle Beach teams MrBeast Bar, a gluten-free chocolate bar
consisting of four ingredients, including
name is Jimmy Donaldson — hosts one of
YouTube’s biggest channels, with nearly
new programs and learning modalities, we with MrBeast on organic cocoa. Under the terms of the part- 88 million subscribers who follow his out-
continue to leverage our investment in the snack promotion nership, Turtle Beach and Feastables will rageous challenges and stunts, including
digital media space and develop more indus- team with the German computer acces- a nonfatal recreation of the “Squid Game”
try partnerships with organizations such as The White Plains-based gaming acces- sories manufacturer ROCCAT in a sweep- competitions and efforts to avoid capture
Connecticut Public to reach broader audienc- sories maker Turtle Beach Corp. has part- stakes offering 360 chances for gamers and by law enforcement officers.
“MrBeast understands what it takes to
make a fun and ultimately positive impact
on people's lives, so we’re thrilled to work
together on his new Feastables launch,” said
Juergen Stark, chairman and CEO of Turtle
Beach. “Of course, you have to deliver big
when you partner with one of the most cre-
ative and most watched YouTubers in histo-
Re-Energize
ry on a new initiative like Feastables. Since
MrBeast is a big gamer, we’ve provided a
healthy amount of some of our best console
and PC accessories to help our collective
fans celebrate the launch.”
Your New café opens
at Darien Library
Business.
The nonprofit Abilis has teamed with
the Darien Library on a new food service
project designed to employ adults with dis-
abilities.
The Café at Darien Library will have its
grand opening on Feb. 9 after several weeks
of a soft launch. The new café is staffed
by Abilis program participants who are
adults with intellectual and developmental
disabilities and who have gone through
Abilis’ competitive employment job train-
ing program.
Tackling the challenges of our new
The Café at Darien Library is located on
economy isn’t easy. Luckily, you have a the first level of the library at 1441 Post Road
strategic partner ready to help you do in Darien and is open Monday through
just that. Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday
from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for grab-and-go food
and drink items, online ordering, or in-per-
We’re your energy experts. And we son ordering and dining. Online ordering is
can show you how the strategic use of available through darienlibrarycafe.org and
energy is a catalyst for keeping business the café’s coffee and food items are supplied
by local purveyors, including Shearwater
on track.
Organic Coffee Roasters, Michael Joseph’s
Fine Foods, Palmer’s Market and Upper
We’ve got no shortage of tools and ideas. Crust Bagel & Café.
And our financial incentives can quickly “The Café at Darien Library is our sec-
put these tools and ideas to work for you. ond partnership with a public library and
one of many food service operations staffed
by Abilis program participants,” said Amy
Re-energized business is Connecticut’s Montimurro, CEO and president of Abilis.
future. And we’ve got business’ back. “Our first café partnership with
Talk with us. Let’s get going. Greenwich Library, which opened in
December 2020, has been a great suc-
cess, both for the library and our Abilis
employees working in The Café. When
Get the Energy Advantage Darien Library approached us to imple-
ment the same business model at their
BusinessEnergyCT.com library, we knew we could do a great job
877-WISE USE and provide additional inclusive compet-
itive employment opportunities for the
FCIAAAP221FC population we serve.”
12 FEBRUARY 14, 2022 FCBJ WCBJHUDSON VALLEY
Transit-oriented development in Harrison.
Five organizations join to push for housing legislation
BY PETER KATZ
multifamily. The accessory dwelling units dwelling units and transit-oriented devel- its workforce our tax base and the region’s
Pkatz@westfairinc.com could be attached or detached. opments are modest enough not to mean- economic vitality will die a slow death.”
F
The five organizations joined in a letter ingfully affect the number of single-family According to Richard Haggerty, CEO of
ive Westchester and Hudson Valley to members of Westchester’s legislative del- homes and mid-to-high rise buildings but HGAR, “We need to stop just talking about
organizations have joined in a push egation. They underscored that the most would provide much needed 'missing mid- the housing crisis in New York and start
for the New York State Legislature to recent housing needs assessment conduct- dle' choices for our residents,” said Tim taking concrete steps to address the severe
pass bills that could help create more hous- ed by Westchester County found a need for Foley, CEO of the BRI. “This would include housing shortage.”
ing in numerous communities. The organi- 11,703 new housing units. It also found that duplexes, triplexes, townhouses, bunga- The organizations’ letter to the state
zations are: the Building and Realty Institute more than 20% of Westchester’s households low courtyards and other in-context dwell- legislators pointed out that ten states have
of Westchester and the Mid-Hudson Region spend more than 50% of their income on ings of all shapes and sizes that would be enacted laws specifically encouraging
(BRI); the Construction Industry Council of housing. the same approximate height and scale of accessory dwelling units.
Westchester and Hudson Valley (CIC); the “The WCA stands side-by-side with the existing housing within those neighbor- “Many states require local governments
Hudson Gateway Association of Realtors real estate industry, the building trades, hoods." to meet at least a reasonable standard of
(HGAR); Nonprofit Westchester (NPW); and and the nonprofit community to bring the Jan Fisher, executive director of proof when denying an affordable hous-
the Westchester County Association (WCA). importance of this issue to our state law- Nonprofit Westchester, said, “The creation ing development,” the letter said. "The
They’re focusing on two sections of the makers,” said Michael N. Romita, president of accessory dwelling units and transit-ori- neighboring states of Massachusetts and
Education, Labor and Family Assistance and CEO of the WCA. “The economic, ented development supported in the gover- Connecticut stand out.”
legislation that is set for funding under the social, and environmental costs of inade- nor's budget are important steps in address- The letter said that Massachusetts pro-
Fiscal Year 2023 Executive Budget as intro- quate housing extend beyond local bound- ing economic and workforce issues that vides funding to municipalities that create
duced recently by Gov. Kathy Hochul. aries and affect the entire region. This is a impact the quality of life for all residents mixed-use smart growth districts near tran-
Part EE of the legislation, also known as statewide issue requiring comprehensive and can begin to advance equity for peo- sit hubs. It pointed to Connecticut’s land use
the “Transit Oriented Development Act of state-level solutions that strongly support ple of color, people with disabilities, low- appeals procedure that allows developers
2022,” encourages transit-oriented develop- accessory dwelling units, transit-oriented wage earners and others who have been to appeal in court local zoning and plan-
ment and overrides local zoning which may development, and smart growth zoning systemically excluded from viable housing ning commission decisions denying afford-
impede development of housing near train reforms to get this done.” options.” able housing developments or approving
stations and bus depots. The letter noted that the Building & John T. Cooney Jr., executive director of them with costly conditions. In traditional
Part AA of the legislation, known as Realty Institute has a Welcome Home the CIC, said,“In order for our local commu- zoning appeals, the developer must con-
the “Accessory Dwelling Unit Act of 2022,” Westchester campaign designed fight nities to thrive they need a range of housing vince the court that the municipality acted
would allow an additional residential unit against homelessness and support families options the governor’s proposal helps cre- illegally, arbitrarily, or abused its discretion.
to be created on all lots with existing res- in need. ate the sorely missing workforce housing Connecticut now places the burden of proof
idential uses, whether single-family or “The budget proposals for accessory layer. If our region cannot house and retain on the municipality.
FCBJ WCBJ FEBRUARY 14, 2022 13You can also read
