Haven Drugs to Re-Open Aug. 1

Haven Drugs store, the site of the that left four people dead, is scheduled to be back in business August 1.

A sign on Haven’s front door says the store is undergoing renovations. The store’s owner, Vinoda Kudchadkar, could not be reached for comment.

Haven Drugs has been closed for a month following the shooting that shattered the quiet of Father’s Day morning on June 19. Medford resident was arrested just days after the shooting and charged with five counts murder — one for each victim and one for mass-murder. His wife, Melinda Brady, was also arrested and charged with robbery and obstructing governmental administration

News of the store’s reopening was received positively by some local business owners and residents, including Mary Gubitosi, owner of the Medford Music House. Her store is located near Haven Drugs on Route 112 and Southaven Avenue.

“I’m happy to think that we will have our Haven Drugs back,” she said, adding that Kudchadkar is like family. “We will continue to support his store.”

While the reopening of Haven Drugs may serve as another step in healing a community that was stunned by the shooting, some local businesses have stepped up their security procedures.

Andrew Jewlers, located next to Medford Music House, now requires customers to ring a doorbell before being allowed into the store. Anna Hili, co-owner of the jewlery store, says that this security measure is used when necessary.

“Business is a lot slower and people are more on edge and nervous,” Hili said. “From talking to customers they still bring it up [the shooting] and are nervous because it’s close to home.”

While Kudchadkar could not be reached for comment, he recently wrote a letter of thanks to the community that appeared in the Long Island Advance.

“The outpouring of support from customers and the community has left me speechless. Your kind words and continued support have given me such strength during this trying time. I hope we will always remain a strong community and rise above this tragedy together,” Kudchadkar said in his letter.