Mayor Walsh Announces Community Meeting for Valley Plaza Grocery Store
Published on October 20, 2025
The Division of Business Development and project partners will host the meeting on Monday, October 27 from 6 to 8 p.m. at McKinley-Brighton Elementary
Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh announced the Division of Business Development, in conjunction with project and community partners, will host a public engagement meeting for residents to learn more about the Valley Plaza Grocery Store project. The Syracuse Economic Development Corporation recently received $1.7 million from New York State’s Food Access Expansion Grant Program to support the project and bring a grocery store back to the neighborhood, which has lacked access to fresh food since the last supermarket there closed in 2018.
“The Valley Plaza Grocery Store public meeting is an opportunity for the community to learn about the project, meet the project team including the grocery partner, and provide feedback ahead of the new store opening next year,” said Mayor Ben Walsh. “This investment represents a significant step toward improving food access, supporting community health, and strengthening the local economy. All this is possible because of the constant advocacy of neighbors and Food Access Healthy Neighborhoods Now! (FAHNN), financial backing from New York State, and dedicated work of our City employees.”
The project includes the complete renovation of the vacant store and will create approximately 35 jobs and 22,000 square feet of modern retail space. In addition to renovation expenses, grant funds will support new equipment and machinery. The store will be called Super Imperial Market and be operated by a well-established grocer with experience running stores in Buffalo, New York. The store will feature a full deli, fresh local produce, prepared meals, fresh cut meats and seafood, and shelf space for local food producers. Free grocery delivery for local seniors will also be offered.
The project team consists of New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, Syracuse Economic Development Corporation, City of Syracuse Division of Business Development, Ellicott Development Company, Super Imperial Market, and FAHNN. Community partners, including the Syracuse City School District and YMCA Community Schools are providing additional event support.
The public meeting will take place on Monday, October 27 from 6 to 8 p.m. at McKinley-Brighton Elementary School, 141 W. Newell St, Syracuse, 13205. For more information and event details, visit syr.gov/vpgs.