HATFIELD — A two-story inn with 30 to 40 rooms is being proposed for construction on a site on Routes 5 and 10.
The Planning Board received a preliminary presentation on Feb. 3 for redevelopment of 16 West St., a parcel featuring a vacant office building located between Pioneer Valley Indoor Karting to the south and the Scottish Inn motor lodge to the north.
Berkshire Design Group principal Jeff Squire told the board that plans, which are still being refined, are to have the new inn built on the 60,000-square lot, situated a short distance from Exit 27 off Interstate 91.
For planners, such a project appears to be allowed through the town’s permitting process, so long as it is no higher than 2½ stories, said Chairwoman Stephanie Slysz.
“Until we see a comprehensive plan we can’t say yes or no,” Slysz said. “It’s allowed in our bylaws.”
Whether any issues exist with demolishing the historic building at the site is unknown. The building was originally constructed as a Howard Johnson Ice Cream Shop and Grille after World War II. In 1965, the restaurant, known for its 28 flavors of ice cream, became Les Shaw’s Pilgrim House.
To this day the building still has elements of its original construction. Though there is no orange roof on the building, it retains other trademarks of the design, including three dormers and a clock mounted at the base of the cupola.
“It could be the last Howard Johnson’s that looks like a Howard Johnson’s,” said board member Bob Wagner.
Planners also told Squire that a traffic study may be necessary should plans move forward.
