Kent Enjoying New Location on South Greeley Avenue

CHAPPAQUA, N.Y. - With the completion of construction on the Route 120 bridge on the horizon, Chappaqua hopes the first domino has fallen in the return of small business owners to the downtown area.

Previously located on King Street, the Kent furniture store officially opened its new store on South Greeley Avenue this week. The owner, Mike Kalesti, was encouraged by the progress being made on the bridge and the nearly-completed parking lot behind the store.

“It’s almost done, so it’s great for me,” said Kalesti.

Kalesti, 51, is a 13-year resident of Chappaqua. He initially opened Kent in 2009.

While the prime location was a factor, Kalesti also cited the size of his new store as a reason for the switch.

“I just wanted to showcase more pieces,” said Kalesti. Along with what he calls “contemporary vintage furniture," Kent also sells soaps, candles and a number of other gift items.

Town Supervisor Barbara Gerrard reported on Tuesday that construction on the Route 120 bridge will be substantially completed by the end of the year.

While the news was certainly welcomed, many of the owners in the downtown area believe that business has been adversely affected during the three-plus year construction process.

Dueto the timing of his move, though, Kalesti does not believe he will endure as much of the headaches as his fellow South Greeley Avenue store owners.

“I haven’t been here long enough to go through that,” said Kalesti. “There’s been a lot of foot traffic, a lot of new customers.”

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