Taste NY Store Ripped Down Just 8 Months After Being Built

People are questioning why one of New York State's newest shops selling locally produced foods and gifts is already being ripped down.

NY State Thruway travelers are probably familiar with the Taste NY stores that have been popping up at rest stops and tourists spots across the state. The stores offer visitors a chance to purchase food and beverages made in New York.

There are several stores scattered throughout the Hudson Valley including the Sloatsburg Service area in Rockland, the Taconic Parkway in Dutchess and kiosks at two NYS Thruway travel plazas in Ulster County.

According to WRGB, one store has mysteriously closed down just months after having its grand opening. The Taste NY Store in Fultonville was shown being torn down, with construction equipment ripping it apart this week.

The NYS Thruway Authority evaded questions that WRBG asked about the work being done to the new store that reportedly has already cost $7.5 milliion in taxpayer money.

The practically-new sidewalks, porches, railings and the entire interior of the store that was just opened in July have been gutted by crews. No indication of why the work was being done has been released to the public.

Eventually WRBG did receive a statement from the NYS Thruway Authority that acknowledged that construction is being done to the building. Improvements will include an electric vehicle charging station, a children's play area and a remodeled interior that will give out historical information about the area. State Troopers will also be given their own space in the complex. It's unclear why the changes have been made less than a year after the building was completed.

The statement did not include how much in additional funds the renovations would cost, but it's believed that it could be anywhere between $1 million and $3 million.