Northern Westchester is cheering its first Trader Joe's as the popular grocery store opened its doors in Yorktown Heights today.

The new store is located on Crompond Road in the Lowe's Shopping Center, near the Taconic State Parkway exit for Routes 202 and 35. The chain has stores in Scarsdale, Larchmont and Hartsdale, but is the first in the northern part of the county.        

Many fans of the specialty grocery store in this part of the county have been anxiously awaiting today's opening, but many others have voiced concerns about traffic issues.

Some say Route 202 in Yorktown is expected to be clogged for the next four-to-six weeks as many come to check out the new store.

But Yorktown officials say they have been working with the store manager and property owner for a plan to mitigate the traffic.
According to town officials, off-duty Yorktown police, as well as private security, have been hired to help direct traffic. The cost is being picked up by the property owner and the Trader Joe's.

"We're doing our best to make sure that with all the excitement that when people are able to come, it's a good experience. It's a good experience to come to Trader Joe's, it's a good experience to come to the town of Yorktown, and also more importantly that people are safe," says Yorktown Town Supervisor Matt Slater.

Town officials say the new store is also creating 100 local jobs.

A ribbon cutting was held just before the store officially opened at 8 a.m.