Planning board reviews projects at three corners of Worcester and Gore Roads; new police station
Becky Harvey
Patriot correspondent
WEBSTER - The historic Cranston Print Works site has been completely demolished and plans for the development of the East Village Square shopping center are moving along swiftly, Patrick Doherty told the planning board this week. Doherty is a principal of MidPoint Engineering and Consulting, consultant to Galaxy Development LLC, developer of the property, located at the intersection of Worcester Road and Gore Road (Rt. 12 and 16).
Doherty noted that the original aim to build a supermarket and bank has been changed by lack of interest by any banks. Modifications made as a result have been to redesign what would have been a bank and create a space for what would be categorized as a “fast-casual” dining establishment with both outdoor eating space and a drive-through. Doherty pointed out that the intended occupant is not the typical “fast-food” restaurant.
Fastcasual.com sets the criteria for such a restaurant to include: limited-service or self-service format, average meal prices between $7 and $11, made-to-order food with more complex flavors than fast food restaurants and upscale or highly developed décor. The site changes suggested were very minor and didn’t change the size of the 8000 square foot building, but would slightly reduce the frontage.
Due to the change, small modifications were being requested to accommodate the outdoor patio. In addition to the revision to the reduced building space, Doherty requested minor changes be made around the parking area near what will be a remote pharmacy drop-off, drive-through. Planning board members voiced concerns regarding parking lot safety with the addition of a drive-through.
This led to concerns with other parking issues, including whether or not there should be a one-way-only turn from Worcester Rd. Some discussion arose concerning possible citizen use of the parking area as a cut-through during high traffic times, which led to more parking lot safety talk. After planning board members suggested added signage, making areas one-way and adding arrows, Doherty stated that he felt these additions were unnecessary because people driving in a parking lot are sensible enough to drive slowly and be careful.
After much discussion back and forth, the board stated that there was not enough information to take any votes and they moved that the issue would be continued until July 9th.
Price Chopper previously announced it will build a state-of-the-art supermarket at East Village Plaza, and that plan has not changed.