JC Penney on the Oswego Plaza in Oswego is closing after doing business in the city since 1976. Hobby Lobby — and possibly Texas Roadside restaurant — will take its place.
MAYOR BARLOW:
‘State of the city is strong’
Sure, the city is losing JC Penney but it’s gaining a new Hobby Lobby and possibly a Texas Roadhouse franchise By Stefan Yablonski
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There is an undeniable renewed confidence in this community. We’ve made tremendous progress in recent years. We have more going for us right now, today, than at any time in recent memory,” Mayor Billy Barlow said at the close of his State of the City address in January. “I believe in this community and the people of Oswego and that is why I know the state of our city is strong.” He offered a list of examples. And, he recently commented regarding the looming closure of the JC Penney store on the city’s east side. “We are, of course, disappointed to learn of JC Penney’s closure — but we expected this for many years. We knew eventually the store would close after it survived several rounds of widespread
corporate closures,” he said. “Luckily, we already have a new tenant in Hobby Lobby looking to occupy the space.” Also the JC Penney closure will allow the tentative Texas Roadhouse project to progress, he added. “So, the loss of a business will be replaced by two more businesses employing more people and bringing new unique services to the community,” he said. “The economy and business climate here in the city is strong right now and I don’t always use corporate decisions made by chains as a real gauge of the local economy. I do think a Hobby Lobby and Texas Roadhouse will be welcomed here in the community and quite popular. I support their proposed locations and site plans at this time.”
94 OSWEGO COUNTY BUSINESS FEBRUARY / MARCH 2023
City progress highlighted “In 2022, we replaced the aging Breitbeck Park playground with an impressive new structure containing Central New York’s first wheelchair accessible merry-go-round, directly next to the newly installed outdoor fitness court,” the mayor said. The city simultaneously constructed and opened the new 8,000 square foot skate park along the East Linear Riverwalk, he added. Currently, they are building a park and train-themed playground suitable for kids younger than 7. It will include musical instruments for interactive play, he said. The structure will be built at the
