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New Sporting Goods Store Proposed In Cassadaga

Pictured is the land where the proposed sporting goods store will be located in Cassadaga. Photo by Gregory Bacon

CASSADAGA — A local businessman wants to build a new sporting goods store to the village.

During a recent presentation before the Cassadaga Village Board, officials and residents heard about the construction of a proposed 86,060 square foot building which would be placed at the corner of South Main and High streets. The business would sell kayaks, guns, ammunition, archery supplies, fishing gear and more. It would not be affiliated with any chain business.

Adam Diate is the developer. He also owns Hanson Autos in Cassadaga. “I just want to start another business in the village. I believe there’s a shortage in this kind of merchandise,” he said.

Zoning Officer Len Ensalaco said that the business fits with the village’s comprehensive plan. At this point, the business is not seeking any variances, although some may be needed in the future. He said their goal is to place the building so that it won’t need any.

One of the issues Diate will need to work through is where the entrances and exits will sit. Ensalaco said he doesn’t know if the state Department of Transportation will permit traffic to come from Route 60 or have High Street be the main entrance/exit.

Diate said he would like to start construction as soon as possible.

Village attorney Joe Calimeri said there are steps that need to be taken before any work can start. He said the development needs to get a SEQR done first. New York’s State Environmental Quality Review Act requires all state and local government agencies to consider environmental impacts equally with social and economic factors during discretionary decision-making. This means these agencies must assess the environmental significance of all actions they have discretion to approve, fund or directly undertake.

The village board will serve as lead agency. It will need to advertise and then take public comment before a SEQR can be issued.

See STORE, Page A3

Store From Page A1

Calimeri said the earliest a SEQR can be given would be late January.

If there aren’t any problems with the SEQR and construction can begin soon, Diate said he would like to be able to be open by the summer. He hasn’t finalized the business’ name, but said when they do open they will be holding an open house.

He hopes to hire about a dozen employees for the business.

Mayor Bill Dorman said the village board is eager to get the SEQR process started to make sure there aren’t any issues. “We’re encouraged to see a new business in town,” he said.

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