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Remnants of an old gas station on the southwest corner of Main Street and Fourth Avenue [shown above] will be demolished and replaced by an almost 10,000 square foot retail center under a proposal by developer Pat Fasano.

Fasano, owner of Fasano Properties, thinks it is is the first time Main Street will see a new building since the Rite Aid was built on Main Street between First and Second avenues.

City Planning and Development Director Don Sammet can’t remember the last time new construction was erected on Main Street during his tenure.

“We’ve seen additions and renovations, but not brand new construction,” he said.

Preliminary plans for the site include a single floor, 9,100 square foot retail center. Exactly how many retailers will lease space in the building is still undetermined.

“”We have some contenders, and a couple people have inquired about space on Main Street,” he said. “One of the companies interested in the location is publicly traded.”

Fasano is holding out on the name of any companies interested in the property at the moment, and will release details if and when they are finalized.

The city has already given Fasano a thumbs up on demolition of the Getty station building, and zoning regulations permit him to build right up to the sidewalk. On Oct. 21, he will submit a preliminary site plan to the city’s planning board, according to Sammet.

“We’re planning to knock [the Getty station building] down and put up a brand new box,” Fasano said.

The nearly 100 by 100 foot space can hold up to four businesses, Fasano said, but he is currently in talks with a nationally recognized company that may end up being the sole tenant.

Fasano Properties already owns a 16,000 square foot building directly across Fourth Avenue on Main Street’s northwest corner. Its been fully leased out. Current tenants include an appliance center and a juice bar. The success of the building encouraged Fasano to keep building along Main Street, he said.

“There still aren’t any Starbucks in town, but people are interested and it’s not too far off — and no, it’s not a Starbucks,” he said.

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