Middle Eastern Deli Approved in Middleburgh

MIDDLEBURGH - After several months of delays, a Middle Eastern Deli has been approved for Route 30 in Middleburgh.

The town and village planning board approved the convenience store after a public hearing at the Community Center Wednesday evening.

Store owner Dawood Almawri had been coming to the planning board for at least five months before members' approval last week.

Mr. Almawri, proposes to open a convenience store at the location, near Andy's Auto, selling snacks, groceries, and tobacco products, and eventually a Middle Eastern deli. 

Mr. Almawri has been waiting for months for a site plan review and had a lot of product spoil during the wait. He told board members that he had desserts in his garage and Korean sodas that went bad in the last few months.

The owner said he was very eager to open and would make whatever improvements that are needed, which could include state DOT highway work permit, and better lighting, before the town code enforcement officer Tom Loucks could issue a certificate of occupancy. An inspection was expected this week for the CO.

Board member Joanne Newsome said the store may need better lighting.

"I will put in whatever is needed," Mr. Almawri said. "I want to open. If a big light is needed. We will have it."

Planning board chairman Fred Risse noted that the area was flooded in 2011, but Mr. Loucks said there was no substantial damage. 

The area is zoned commercial.

Mr. Risse said an approval from the DOT may be needed.

"If I do need it, I'll fix it," Mr. Almawri added.

At first, the motion was to give a tentative approval, upon OK from the DOT, but Mr. Risse moved that the approval be granted, and if DOT OK is needed, Mr. Almawri could do it.

After the vote, Mr. Risse told Mr. Almawri, "Good luck. I think you're going to need it."

Mr. Almawri, representing Shelsamco Inc., petitioned the town for a Site Plan Review for a change of use at 4453 State Route 30.