Demo expected to start in spring at old Ames Plaza off I-86. What we know about project

Jeff Smith, Corning Leader
·2 min read
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Demolition crews are expected to raze the remaining structures at the former Ames Plaza starting early this spring to make room for a large travel center at the long-vacant Painted Post location off I-86.

Erwin Town Manager Rita McCarthy said Quicklee’s, an Avon-based business, recently submitted a revised site plan for the proposed travel center in Steuben County.

The new concept plan includes the construction of a two-story building. The first floor would include a retail convenience store and a restaurant, while the second floor would house a 45-room hotel, McCarthy said. The site would also include a truck and bus wash, a car wash, and separate unleaded gas, diesel and EV pumps and fuel stations.

The demolition of remaining section of the old Ames Plaza, in Painted Post, is expected to start in the early spring.
The demolition of remaining section of the old Ames Plaza, in Painted Post, is expected to start in the early spring.

The revised concept plan for the site, located at the corner of Victory Highway and Erwin Hollow Road, is permitted under Erwin Town Zoning, McCarthy said. The application must now complete a traffic study and submit a full engineering package to the Erwin Planning Board.

“Everything in the concept plan is allowed uses,” McCarthy said. “(Quicklee’s) need to perfect a full site plan and complete a traffic study and analysis. We know they intend to start demolition in the spring and complete by the end of 2024 at the latest.”

Lou Terragnoli, Quicklee’s director of real estate, could not be reached for comment.

Portions of the old Ames Plaza were torn down in 2023.

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The company has committed to no overnight parking for tractor trailers and other vehicles not staying at the hotel, a point of contention under the previous plan.

The original travel center plan included 42 tractor trailer trucks being able to park at the facility, inside the old Ames building, which did not meet the Town of Erwin zoning restrictions. The new plan would allow 26 tractor trailer trucks to be parked at the facility, but the driver must stay the night at the hotel to park the truck overnight at the site.

This article originally appeared on The Leader: New plan for Painted Post travel center includes hotel, restaurant