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The planning board's public hearing on Costco's draft environmental impact statement (DEIS) will resume at 7:30 p.m. at the Yorktown Stage at 1974 Commerce St. The hearing opened Oct. 15 at the neighboring Nutritional Center, but was moved to the stage to accommodate a large turnout.
The previous hearing brought out hundreds of Yorktown residents who engaged in hours of sometimes-contentious back-and-forth dialogue for and against the project.
The board decided to adjourn the hearing to Oct. 29 because of the high number of residents still with comments. That date was pushed back, however, because of Hurricane Sandy.
On Oct. 15, many opponents said Costco would increase traffic, hurt local businesses and cause a number of other environmental concerns. Although Costco expects to bring in more than $900,000 in new tax revenue to the town and school district, many say the net gain would be lessened if Costco drove out competing business, including the nearby BJ’s Wholesale Club.
Supporters argued that competition could only help other businesses in town. Chamber of Commerce President Joe Visconti said all businesses in the chamber favor the Costco, including BJ’s.
Monday's hearing will focus on the 2,200-page DEIS, which is available for download on the town's website. Residents will have the opportunity to publicly speak or submit written comments to the planning board on issues relating to the document.
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