Back in February, I, Sophia Scarpelli, owner of Sophia's in Greenwich, CT was unexpectedly notified by someone other than the property manager that after 39 years I will have to shut down my small local business and relocate elsewhere.

A large New York restaurant corporation has proposed a project to build a huge commercial bakery where my store is as well as a cafe. Next door, they proposed a huge 300 seat restaurant venue for weddings, bar mitzvahs, etc, at the space NYSC formerly occupied. The plans proposed have not been formally submitted to Greenwich Planning and Zoning Commission, but I am told that this imminent, and I will have to move.  We are hoping that the town does not approve this massive and disruptive project which will be detrimental to anyone shopping downtown and all but eliminate the parking that is currently available in the municipal parking lot in front of my store. I am sure that you are all aware that parking is at a premium due to the closure of spaces on Greenwich Avenue for outside dining (which will continue for the foreseeable future).

Obviously, this project will also affect the other 7 local bakeries within walking distance already established in the area along with the restaurants that are still struggling to survive post-COVID. I paid my rent throughout COVID, but now I am currently without a lease for the space I am occupying, and my hope is that I will be able to celebrate my 40th year in September and have a Christmas season this year so that I can recoup the losses I incurred last year during the pandemic.

My success for the past 39 years has been due to your loyalty and patronage and I will be forever grateful.  Please help me extend my stay to the end of 2021. We know we will have to move eventually, but we are desperate to have our holiday season for 2021. I encourage you all to sign this petition and help save my store!