By Joan F. Simoneau, Community Reporter
Marlborough – A proposal to upgrade the McDonald's restaurant at 155 Boston Post Road West moved forward at the April 8 City Council meeting as Project Manager John A. Kucich of Bohler Engineering outlined plans during a public hearing. If approved, the special permit will include upgrading the drive through with side-by-side order stations, which Kucich said will greatly improve the efficiency by allowing two customers to place orders simultaneously. By effectively cutting the order time in half, traffic will move smoothly, reducing the on-site stacking, he said.
Plans include renovating the exterior and interior of the existing building. The overall site layout will remain as it is, with one-way circulation around the building, and the existing curb cuts to remain. Parking will be almost identical with the exception of losing two spaces to allow for the new drive-through. On-site landscaping will remain unchanged. There was no one present who spoke in opposition to the proposal during the public hearing. The Urban Affairs Committee will render a recommendation to the full council in the near future.
In other business, a communication from Mayor Arthur Vigeant was read announcing the retirement of the city's Comptroller/Treasurer Thomas Abel, effective June 26.
“Mr. Abel first began working as our Comptroller/Treasurer April 26, 1994. Since that time he has served five different mayors and played a central role in helping shape the financial stability of our city,” said Vigeant. “He has been a dedicated and trusted public servant in our community and I am appreciative for all that he has done for Marlborough in his tenure.”
The Council's Finance Committee Chair Michael Ossing expressed his appreciation for Abel's services in helping him with financial matters brought before the council.
“He has been an invaluable resource and we will miss him,” he said.