Demolition plan raises concerns about traffic, preservation
By Josh Farnsworth Journal Correspondent

Increased traffic and the historical artifacts were the dominating concerns during a public hearing on a proposed business in the village center.

Wesley Flis of Whitman & Bingham Associates proposed a plan to the Planning Board Monday night on behalf of Joe Pandiscio to demolish Joseph's Bistro at the Village Square in the center of town.

Demolition of the nearly 8,000-squarefoot bistro would make way for a new 4,400-square-foot mixed-use building. The proposed new building would contain three units, one of which would feature a drive-thru window.

The addition of a drive-thru raised concerns of increased traffic flow. Pandiscio said he is confident that the new site plan, which includes altering the islands, entrances and exits, will be a tremendous improvement for the lot.

"We have been in this lot for about 28 years now," Pandiscio said. "Traffic safety is my biggest concern. This plan will improve that situation."

Flis said the new design would alleviate potential traffic problems as well as improve the ability for plows to remove snow from the lot after a storm.

Police Chief Salvatore Albert echoed the same approval of the site plan.

In a letter to the Planning Board, Albert said he "does not see any problems with traffic flow or any other issues at this time."

Albert addressed the possibility of traffic from the drive-thru backing onto Main Street, but mentioned that the proposed location of the window was at the best possible spot in the building.

Pandiscio said Subway and Dunkin' Donuts had interest in the proposed building, but there are no official tenants yet.

Westminster Historical Commission member Betsy Hannula expressed the organization's wish to conduct an archeological dig at the site before construction of the new building if the demolition were to take place.

Hannula said a dig would be appropriate based on the historical significance of the buildings at the site, which date back to the 19th century.

"I do have an appreciation for history, being a history major myself," Pandiscio said. "I definitely would be willing to talk about it."

Hannula said the Westminster Historical Commission plans to contact the Massachusetts Historical Commission for more information on a potential dig at the site.

The Planning Board officially closed the public hearing on the issue and scheduled deliberations on the conditions of the site plan for Monday, April 23, at 7 p.m. in the town hall. The public hearing was delayed from March 26 due to neighbors not being notified in time.

In other business:

+ The board endorsed the second phase of the Depot Business Park Definitive Plan for construction on Industrial Drive.

The approval is subject to 19 conditions stated by the Planning Board, including roadway inspection at several stages of construction, sidewalk maintenance by the applicant during construction and completion of the project within two years of plan approval.

+ Also at the meeting, residents of Overlook Road voiced opposition to the Overlook Estates Definitive Plan.

The proposed plan would widen Overlook Road by two feet. Concerns addressed by Overlook Road residents included increased traffic flow, adjacent wetlands that could be compromised and dramatic curvature at certain points in the road.

The public hearing for the Overlook Estates Definitive Plan will continue Monday, April 23, at 8:15 p.m. at the Town Hall.