The Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously approved Weed & Duryea’s application to enhance storage at their local hardware store, located at 21 Grove Street. This iconic business, which has been a cornerstone of New Canaan since it was acquired by Northeast Group Holdings LLC in 1993, seeks to improve the organization and safety of its lumber storage, all the while maintaining a neat appearance for the community.
Jan Cohen, the owner of 15 Grove Street, LLC and a founder of Northeast Group Holdings, represented the company at the commission meeting. He expressed his dedication to the store and the community, emphasizing that the new lumber racks are intended to “get the lumber off of the ground, make it safer and more attractive.”
The approved site plan will allow for the installation of 20-foot tall outdoor storage racks in the parking lot adjacent to the warehouse building. Although this change will reduce the number of available parking spots from 109 to 87, a 2010 study by Milone & Macbroom noted that only 78 spaces are required to meet on-site demand. Plus, many of the current spots are being used for lumber storage, an issue the new racks will resolve.
Jan Cohen, the owner of 15 Grove Street, LLC and a founder of Northeast Group Holdings, expressed his dedication to the store and the community, emphasizing that the new lumber racks are intended to “get the lumber off of the ground, make it safer and more attractive.”
Andy Schmit, the branch manager of Weed & Duryea, expressed excitement over the unanimous decision, which will undoubtedly bolster their capacity for building supply deliveries. He also mentioned the introduction of Trex decking to their inventory, hinting at a display already present in-store for those eager to preview the product before the full stock arrives.
Schmit clarified, “This particular zoning meeting was just about our storage capacity. All of our displays are done in the store.”
The Weed & Duryea’s upgrade echoes the store’s longstanding commitment to customer service and community involvement. A Commissioner present at the P&Z meeting warmly recounted how his son had previously worked at the hardware store, moving paint and building racks.
Furthermore, Northeast Group Holdings LLC, which operates Weed & Duryea among other businesses, has a rich history in New Canaan and nearby areas. From its initial foray into the building supply industry in 1988 with the purchase of Bridgeport Lumber Co. Inc., to the acquisition of Architectural Building Components in 2015, the company has been dedicated to supplying quality products and services to the professional building trade and home improvement sector.
