By Joan F. Simoneau, Community Reporter
Marlborough – A decision about whether to grant Cumberland Farms a special permit to open a new convenience store and gasoline pumping station in the city will not be made for at least another month. At its July 9 meeting, the City Council agreed to extend the special permit process by 30 days so factors such as public safety and a traffic study funded by the proponents could be considered.
The proposed project site consists of a one-story building currently occupied by Metrowest Lawn & Power Equipment and Redstreak Motors at 412 and 481 Maple St. Proposed are 14 parking spaces for the convenience store, along with eight spaces at the fueling pumps, according to officials representing Cumberland Farms.
The special permit application has been referred to the Urban Affairs Committee.
Ward 2 City Councilor Richard Jenkins said this extension would allow more time to study the current pedestrian and vehicle traffic in the Walker Street-Framingham Road area. Several residents from that area had attended a June 18 public hearing, where they voiced strong opposition to the proposed project.
Jenkins has also scheduled a neighborhood meeting for Wednesday, July 18, at 7 p.m. at the Francis J. Kane Elementary School to further discuss safety concerns in that area.
“This meeting is not to discuss the Cumberland Farms proposal, but an opportunity to look at the apparent speeding and other safety problems that are present in that area and discuss possible solutions,” he said.
Jenkins has invited Commissioner of Public Works Ronald LaFreniere, Police Chief Mark Leonard, Fire Chief James Fortin, and Code Enforcement Officer Pam Wilderman to attend the meeting.
In other business, the council approved several appointments proposed by Mayor Arthur Vigeant and recommended by the Personnel Committee. They include: Mark Vital and Nancy Klein to the Recreation Commission for a three-year terms; Robert Page to the Zoning Board of Appeals; and Patricia Zilembo, Kelly French and Joan D”Onofrio to the Youth Commission.? Zilembo will serve as chair for a three-year term and French and D”Onofrio will serve for two years.
