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A public meeting is scheduled for Monday (October 27) in Syracuse to discuss the Valley Plaza Grocery Store Project. The meeting will take place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at McKinley-Brighton Elementary School. This initiative aims to bring fresh food back to the neighborhood, which has lacked a grocery store since a Tops Friendly Market closed in 2018.
The Syracuse Economic Development Corporation, with support from New York State’s Food Access Expansion Grant Program, received $1.7 million to fund the project. The new store, named Super Imperial Market, will feature a full deli, fresh produce, prepared meals, and free delivery for local seniors. The project will renovate a vacant store, creating approximately 35 jobs and offering 22,000 square feet of modern retail space.
Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh emphasized the significance of the project, stating, "This investment represents a significant step toward improving food access, supporting community health, and strengthening the local economy." The project team includes the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, Syracuse Economic Development Corporation, City of Syracuse Division of Business Development, and Ellicott Development Company.
Community members are encouraged to attend the meeting to learn more about the project and provide feedback. Light refreshments will be served, and attendees will have the opportunity to meet the project team and community partners. For more information, visit the City of Syracuse's website.