New Supermarket May Sprout Near Balducci’s

Balducci’s is closing.

No announcement has been made about a new tenant for the 12,230-square foot space.

But if a pre-application meeting request is approved — and that meeting goes well — Westport could welcome a 25,000-square foot Sprouts Farmers Market diagonally across the street.

The Phoenix-based chain — with more than 410 stores in 23 states — is not mentioned specifically, in the pre-app request filed by architect Rick Hoag.

But an artists’ rendering of 1460 Post Road East prominently shows Sprouts’ name.

Artists’ rendering of 1460 Post Road East

Hoag’s letter says that renovations to the existing building would improve the façade, enhance safety within the parking area, and increase landscaping.

BevMax — one of the current anchor tenants — would be relocated to the lower level. The rest of the lower level space would be converted from retail to storage and utility use.

1460 Post Road East, with Julian’s Pizza (left) and BevMax.

Julian’s Pizza would be relocated within the building.  Bluepoint Wellness — Westport’s medical marijuana dispensary — is already on the January 26 Planning & Zoning Commission agenda, with a request to move to 345 Post Road West.

If approved, Sprouts would be the third major supermarket in a 1.5-mile stretch of Post Road East. The other 2 are Stop & Shop and Big Y.

A pre-application meeting is a non-binding forum. It allows an applicant to obtain feedback on a proposal from the P&Z, without expending resources associated with filing a formal application. (Hat tip: Peter Gold)

Site plan for 1460 Post Road East, prepared by Langan Engineering.

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