With the closing of the old Stop & Shop and now the planned move of Sound Medical Associates, some Stonington officials and residents are worried about the future of the Pawcatuck shopping center on Route 1.

But First Selectman Ed Haberek said he and the plaza's owners has been in discussions with some potential tenants that could fill both spaces.

He added that a service-type business that he recently met at a Boston retail show is interested in the Stop & Shop space while a number of smaller businesses have shown interest in the Sound Medical Associates site.

Last week Lawrence & Memorial Hospital said it would like to transfer its affiliated Sound Medical operation to larger quarters in the new Stop & Shop building on Route 2.

"It's important to get an anchor business in there to complement the Rite-Aid, package store and Christo's Pizza," Haberek said.

He said those businesses have reported business falling off with the departure of Stop & Shop.

- Joe Wojtas