Hudson – Renovations to an existing Wal-Mart are nearly complete, but if the construction company requires work be done outside of normal business hours, they must first get permission ahead of time from town officials. This was the directive given by the Planning Board Jan. 4 to John Vandish, the project manager for Bast Hatfield, the construction company working on the project.
Vandish appeared before the board to ask for approval to work additional hours on the store, which is located at 280 Washington St.
“We have to install some stadium roofing up top,” Vandish said. “To do this we need to work past regular work hours.”
The extended hours of work would not last long.
“We need about two nights to do what we need to get done,” he said. “We are about 100 percent closed up next week other than the roof.”
“It’s very simple,” Planning Board Vice Chair Rodney Frias said. “Please communicate next time before you come before us. Send an e-mail to the police chief at least 48 hours in advance and let him know what you are doing so they can handle complaints appropriately.”
Vandish went on to answer detailed questions from board member David Daigneault about the overall construction progress at the site. Construction in the back and sides of the store is near completion, Vandish said, with a sink hole still needing to be back filled, fencing to be removed, and at some point later in the year, resealing of the asphalt.
Vandish said he would have to coordinate with the roofer to determine an exact date, and with a reminder from the board that the upcoming Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a “no work” day, the board approved the request for the overtime work. Additionally, they pointed out that a member of the board was a neighbor to the ongoing construction.
The board then addressed a site plan review presented by Attorney Malcolm Houck, representing Galen Miller, owner of Bikeworx at 20 Main St. in Maynard. Miller is seeking approval to relocate his company to the Kane Industrial Complex in Hudson. Bikeworx is a retailer of motorbikes, fourwheelers and all-terrain vehicles, and employs between two and six people depending on the season.
“The amount of fluids, motor oils and the like, are almost negligible,” Houck said. “Vehicles are not being serviced at this location, and the amount of fluids would only be in very small quantities for retail.”
Michael Fields, speaking on behalf of a Heatherfield Group, LLC and a property owner across the street from the proposed business, expressed his concern if bringing in a retail business was proper form in what was named as an industrial complex. He also said he was worried that the roadway would be used as a raceway for the new motorbikes being purchased and sold.
“Mr. Fields, this is a site plan review; the issues you have are real issues and legitimate issues that belong before the Zoning Board of Appeals and Board of Selectmen,” Frias said.
Houck pointed out that James Kane, the owner of the property, was present at the meeting.
“I am not allowing bikes on that road,” Kane said.
Members of the Planning Board expressed concern about outside storage of material, to which Miller replied that motor bikes for sale are kept outside of the building as display models during the business day. With assurances that no property would be stored outside in public view, the board voted to approve the site plan.
Other action taken by the Planning Board included a review of retaining walls that are showing signs of damage near the Lowe’s store on Highland Park Avenue.
Board members Robert D’Amelio and Thomas Collins were not in attendance.
