Walgreen eyes K of C
By ROB PRICE THE COURIER-ADVOCATE

PHOTO BY ROB PRICE Pictured above, the Bath Knights of Columbus and adjoining Bath Laundromat are under consideration for a Walgreen pharmacy.

BATH - A high ranking representative of the Bath Knights of Columbus reported last week the organization has negotiated a deal to sell the West Washington property to Walgreen Co., the largest retail pharmacy chain in the U.S.

Deputy Grand Knight Richard Pruner said a closing date has not yet been established for the sale, although K of C members hope to vacate the building at 321 W. Washington St. by the end of August.

Pruner noted the organization has been negotiating with a Syracuse-based realtor and not directly with the giant drugstore chain.

A spokesperson for Walgreen added the company has no "purchase agreement or a lease for any property in Bath" but is "interested in opening a store" in the village.

"It's too soon to confirm that we will open a store or when that might happen," said Carol Hively, Walgreen corporate spokeswoman.

Minutes of recent meetings of the village Planning Board, however, note Walgeen has been reviewing the 321 W. Washington site and an adjoining parcel for possible development. The company has requested a variance for signage, ingress and egress, front yard parking and circulation routes that do not meet local setback requirements.

Additional notes indicate Walgreen wants to open a 12,222 square foot pharmacy on the site. A typical Walgreen store is 14,500 square feet, according to a company fact sheet. Each store employs 25 to 30 individuals.

Walgreen's website says the company operates 5,807 stores in 48 U.S. states and Puerto Rico.

Pruner added the Bath Knights of Columbus will relocate to St. Mary's Catholic Church on East Morris Street, where it will use the main hall for its weekly Bingo games and a second-floor room for offices.