A public hearing into a proposed expansion of the Target store on Stony Hill Road has been continued by the Bethel Planning and Zoning Commission.  During the hearing Tuesday some neighbors expressed concerns with the application, and issues with the store in general.  Most involved delivery noise during overnight hours. 

The company is looking to add storage area for items people order online but pick up in store, add more curbside pick up parking spaces, and a Starbucks inside the store. 

The applicant's attorney said relocating the drive-up spaces would reduce pedestrian traffic at the main entrance, and allow employees to deliver orders directly from the new storage and fulfillment area. 

The Planning and Zoning Commission did not vote Tuesday.  Their next meeting is scheduled for October 12th.

Target proposes to expand its existing 123,000 square foot store by 13,000 square feet because they need larger fulfillment and inventory replenishment areas.  The store’s current stock room holds about 50% of the replenishment stock product needed to operate efficiently so Target currently leases an offsite facility.  The addition will also be used for a new employee lounge area and training conference room area. 

8 existing contactless Drive Up parking stalls in the existing parking area will be relocated and 16 more stalls will be added.

Target also proposes a minor floor reconfiguration to provide space for a Starbucks coffee bar adjacent to a reconfigured snack bar. The café/snack bar was a part of the original store approval from 2004, but the 25 seat facility was closed last year due to the pandemic.  The area was converted to a fulfillment storage function.

With the proposed expansion, Target plans to reinstitute the snack bar use, and add a Starbucks.