Proposed zoning changes may allow box stores
By Karen Mann

Residents will be given the chance to decide whether they want to allow a possible "big-box store" in town at special town meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 14.

The zoning board of appeals has submitted an article to the warrant that would amend a zoning bylaw to permit them to grant special permits for retail stores larger than 25,000 square feet.

David Crowley, who owns the Wachusett Village Inn, as well as a large parcel of land along Village Inn Road, would like to see this article pass.

Crowley and

his business partners - who bought the 100-acre parcel about six years ago - are interested in putting a retail store on the property.

"There has been a lot of interest in the land," said Crowley. "Commercial (zoning)

is absolutely the way to go."

Crowley said this proposal would have a significantly more positive impact on the town compared to making the area residential, because of the tax revenue and the additional jobs a business would bring to the town.

Crowley added that Village Inn Road, which runs parallel to Route 2, was constructed with the idea of developing commercial businesses along it. The parcel's location near the highway makes it the best place to have a large retail store.

There has been discussion around town that a Home Depot is going to be built on the parcel. Town Planner Alicia Altieri said the planning board has no proposals before them pertaining to Home Depot or, even to the land at this time.

Crowley did not say Home Depot would definitely be the store constructed on the land. He did say that Westminster has many contractors based in town and they would benefit by having that store closer to home.

Crowley said he has heard a lot of positive feedback on the idea.

He said it is an exciting time for him, as he explores the possibilities.

He also realizes there are people who don't like change or don't want it in their backyard.

"It is a concern that I will have to overcome," said Crowley.

He is interested in hearing feedback from everyone. He hopes to have some public discussion on the project before it goes to special town meeting.

Approval of the article would require a two-thirds majority vote because it is a change to the zoning bylaws.

In other news:  The planning board approved the "Westminster Commons" project submitted by Peter J. Normandin. The plan calls for tearing down the building housing Wine & Roses Liquor Store and building a 15,500 square foot commercial building next to it. Normandin said the new building would contain Wine & Roses, Head to Toe Salon, a bank and rental office space.

Altieri said certain conditions have to be met, but these have been previously discussed with Normandin. She said the most of the c o n d i t i o n s have to do with parking and circulation.

Normandin's plan calls for having a drive-through window at the bank. Altieri said signs would have to be put up directing traffic. She also said signage on the Nichols Street entrance into the parking lot is important as this will serve as an entrance only in order to prevent disruption to traffic. This had been a concern of various officials in town.

According to Building Inspector Marcia Phelps, Normandin had not applied for a building permit as of last week.

 The planning board has not received all of the filings necessary to review the Westminster Business Park proposal. Altieri said representatives from the project came to a planning board meeting to submit their proposal, but never submitted final filing fees or copies of the plans.