People living in Rosendale will soon have a place much closer to home to pick up groceries. YNN's Alexandra Weishaupt has more on how a supermarket could soon bring new life back to one shopping plaza.

ROSENDALE, N.Y. -- “I think the plaza really needs something to revitalize the area and bring people back in,” said Danny Gonzalez, Peppino’s Pizza Shop owner.

And now Fann’s Plaza on Route 32 in Rosendale is getting that something as the new Associated Supermarket readies to open.

“The store itself needed some work and happily, these new people are putting in new equipment, they’re cleaning the place up better and creating a better atmosphere for a new store,” said Town Supervisor Jeanne Walsh.

The empty storefront was an eyesore of sorts, vacant for about six years, but will now be filled with fresh produce, an organic section and local products as well.

“I took a lot of suggestions and ideas from the community and we found that people over here, they love local stuff, so that made us contact local farmers markets so they can deliver to us directly,” said Paul Singh.

Paul Singh, one of the owners of the new supermarket, took the space over in February and hopes to have the half million dollar project completed in two to three weeks.

And as it’s the only grocery store in the town, it will mean some big changes for locals who are currently traveling a distance to shop.

“We do go into Kingston, we still go back into Middletown, but that’s such a hike. We really want to shop closer to our house,” said Kyrie McDonald, Rosendale resident.

“It’s seven miles to go to New Paltz or Kingston and in this economy with the price of fuel, that’s a hardship for a lot of people, so now they’re going to have the option to go right in their own neighborhood to get their groceries,” said Walsh.

And not only does the store mean more convenience, but it also means more jobs. Singh says they'll be hiring around 35 employees, helping the local economy grow and bringing life back to Fann's Plaza. A sure sign that things are moving in the right direction for the people of Rosendale.