Easthampton Planning Board gives nod to Cumberland Farms planned off Route 10

By CAITLIN ASHWORTH

@kate_ashworth

Published: 01-07-2017 12:36 AM

EASTHAMPTON — Cumberland Farms is coming to Northampton Street.

The gas station and convenience store chain is planning to build a facility on property located at 221 Northampton St. off Route 10 in Easthampton.

A section of the nearly 2-acre lot is planned to include a new 4,786-square-foot convenience store with six self-serve fuel dispensers, an overhead canopy, parking areas, driveways, utilities, patio area, lighting and landscaping.

Cumberland’s application was filed with the city on Oct. 20. The public hearing was held on Nov. 15, Dec. 20 and Jan. 3. According to City Planner Jessica Allan, predevelopment meetings with department heads helped make the process run smoothly.

On Tuesday, the Planning Board voted unanimously to grant Cumberland Farms the special permit for construction of the gas station and store.

A portion of the site is located within the watershed of the Manhan River as well as the Barnes Aquifer, according to the project narrative. The Planning Board found that existing wetlands will be protected and that there are no adverse impacts on the city’s resources, including water supply, sewage collection systems, fire protection and streets, according to the decision.

Attorney Thomas Murphy, representing Cumberland Farms, said the site was desireable to Cumberland Farms because it is flat and easily developable as well as being in a high traffic area on Route 10.

Cumberland Farms proposes 35 parking spaces, not including the 12 fueling positions, according to the decision. New water service will connect to the municipal water main on Northampton Street and a new stormwater system will be installed, including a detention basin, and will drain to the rear of the property.

Article continues after...

Yesterday's Most Read Articles

Holyoke man finds bear paw in his yard
Petition to block auto dealership on King Street falters in Northampton
First look at how little Amherst’s police alternative being used called troubling
Developer lands $400K loan for affordable housing project in Easthampton mill district
Developer pitches new commercial building on Route 9 in Hadley
Boyfriend accused in slaying of Hampden sheriff’s assistant, former legislator’s top aide

Murphy said next steps in the process include a Conservation Commission hearing on Monday regarding a notice of intent, requesting an underground storage tank permit from the city’s fire chief and submitting a plan to the Planning Board prior issuance of a building permit.

The project also awaits MassDOT approval for two curb cuts along Northampton Street, according to Allan.

Caitlin Ashworth can be reached at cashworth@gazettenet.com.

]]>