The former Kmart is pictured last week as work begins to overhaul the property into a new Target store. P-J photo by Eric Tichy

Although no timelines have been announced, Target is moving ahead with plans to come to the former Kmart building on Fairmount Avenue in West Ellicott.

During the recent Audit and Control Committee meeting of the Chautauqua County Legislature, members agreed to sell a small parcel of land in the town of Ellicott to Target for $12,400.

First assistant county attorney Patrick Slagle said the property is in the Target/Wegman’s/Home Depot parking lot. “Target does own the adjoining parking lots but a small parcel there back in about 2005, the county took ownership of, so it makes sense to sell it back to Target for their use,” he said.

Slagle isn’t sure why the county took over the parcel, but noted that Target is remodeling the entire parking area, which is why they want this part as well.

The committee unanimously backed the request, which now goes to the full legislature on Wednesday for final approval.

Target was first announced coming to the former Kmart building at 975 Fairmount Ave. in November, 2021.

In March, the Ellicott Zoning Board of Appeals/Planning Board approved Target’s site plan proposal. At that time, company officials said the planned improvements will include repairs to the parking lot and sidewalks in front of the store. Also, Target officials would like to add “drive-up stalls” along the west side of the building where Kmart’s garden center was located for customers who purchase items online to pick up at the store.

A planned opening date hasn’t been announced, and it’s not known how many workers the store will employ. In a statement last week, the company said, “As we get closer to opening the store, we’ll have more specific details to share — including how the shopping experience will be tailored to serve local guests and the grand opening date.”

Earlier this month, workers were spotted at the former Kmart fixing up the exterior facade of the building.

Kmart closed its longtime West Ellicott store in 2019.