THOMPSON — The Thompson Town Mall is set to undergo further expansion, with Phase Two of the project on the horizon. The owners, Heidenberg Properties, plan to increase the mall’s footprint by adding a 14,000-square-foot space.

Two prospective tenants, Five Below and a drive-thru coffee shop, have already been identified to occupy this expanded area.

Five Below is an American chain of specialty discount stores, with most of its products priced at $5 or less. It is very popular with tweens and teens.

According to the Five Below website, there are over 1,400 stores across the United States, with the closest one to Sullivan County located in Middletown at the Galleria Mall.

Representatives for the owners went before the board on January 24, seeking approval for a site plan modification, as the initial plan only allocated 11,000 square feet.

The proposed location for the new retail space is opposite Thompson Town Hall, facing Old Navy.

The proposed 14,000 square foot building is envisioned to be divided into three distinct spaces – approximately 9,500 square feet for Five Below, 2,500 square feet for the coffee shop and 2,000 square feet for a yet-to-be-determined retail tenant.

According to the submitted plans, the drive-through accommodating 19 passenger vehicles is planned to wrap around three sides of the building, with the building oriented towards the parking field to coordinate traffic.

The applicant mentioned the increase in green space for the entryway into the plaza.

The Thompson Planning Board recommended a work session with consultants to delve into the details and address the potential traffic increases resulting from the new retail spaces.