Trial starts to determine if Brighton Whole Foods project will move forward

PITTSFORD, N.Y. — The trial started on Monday to determine whether the Brighton Whole Foods project will move forward.

The legal fight has been going on for six years. Brighton Grassroots and two other groups are challenging the size of the shopping plaza which will include a Whole Foods Market and other stores.

In September, a judge threw out all but one claim against the Daniele family who is developing the plaza, whether they had the right to encroach on the auburn trail, a recreational path that runs along the site.

If successful, the groups would be able to force a public vote on the matter. Supporters say the new grocery store will bring competition to a town where Wegmans has long been a dominating business.

Wegmans is financially supporting one of the community groups that brought the lawsuit.

Read more:

• Brighton Whole Foods Plaza case to go to trial in December (Dec. 5)
• Whole Foods on Monroe Ave has opening date set (Aug. 2)
• Court grants trial date for Whole Foods project (April 28)
• Starbucks opens in planned Whole Foods Center (Aug 2021)