By Joan F. Simoneau, Community Reporter
Marlborough – Citing safety issues and traffic conditions the City Council turned down during its Sept. 23 meeting a request for a fuel storage permit for Cumberland Farms who was seeking to construct a gasoline pumping station and convenience store at 412 and 418 Maple St. The request for the special permit has been a subject of controversy since early 2012 when residents in the area displayed continuing opposition.
The Sept. 23 vote was requested by the city's Legal Department, according to Ward 3 City Councilor Matt Elder, who is also the chair of the Urban Affairs committee. ?He noted the city is in litigation with Cumberland Farms and it was important for the council to make a formal decision on the fuel storage license to bring the matter to a conclusion.
Both Elder and Ward 2 City Councilor Richard Jenkins and Matt Elder spoke in favor of rejecting the proposal as they stated, once again, that their constituents are concerned about the current pedestrian and vehicle traffic in the Walker Street-Framingham Road area, which is immediately in the vicinity of the proposed business.
“I make a plea to you (councilors) to deny this permit as it could possibly affect drinking water, too,” Jenkins added.
Ward 1 City Councilor Joseph Delano said he saw no “great need” to give approval.
“It is a huge hassle for our residents environmentally,” he said.
