ORANGE — The Honey Farms convenience store chain got the nod from the Orange Planning Board to build an eight-pump gas station at 24 East River St.
Honey Farms has proposed a gas station with overhead canopy, a 4,500-square-foot convenience store with a drive-thru and a 26-by-50-foot single-bay car wash. The Planning Board gave the green light at Tuesday’s meeting at Orange Town Hall, though there is a 20-day appeals period.
Honey Farms also has a location at 167 Daniel Shays Highway.
Tuesday’s deliberation was limited to board discussion. A public hearing had been held over the course of four meetings and residents voiced their opinions in favor and in opposition to the proposal. Some welcome the additional employment and tax revenue a new Honey Farms location promises, while others worry the site is unfit for the development and the corporation could suffocate competing, small businesses.
Planning Board member Richard Sheridan, who has commended the patience and professionalism of Honey Farms representatives, said he does not believe the development will disrupt the social character of the area. He said the proposed building will increase aesthetic appeal.
Fellow board member James Hayes Jr. said the town needs the diesel pump the new location will offer. He also said he thinks downtown traffic would decrease because Honey Farms would attract a portion of the customers who frequent the Cumberland Farms at 25 East Main St.
“What we have to do is weigh pros and cons,” he said about the Planning Board’s responsibility.
Hayes said any tax revenue is helpful and Orange desperately needs more jobs and resources. He also addressed a public concern about environmental safety. He said a tank rupture is extremely unlikely.
“You have a better chance of winning the lottery,” he said.
Member Bruce St. John said he thinks the building will be beautiful and attract more businesses to town.
Civil engineer Patrick W. McLaughlin, of MHF Design Consultants in New Hampshire, said during a public hearing session the proposed project has been tweaked in response to concerns expressed in public, departmental and initial peer reviews. He and senior project manager Heather L. Monticup of Greenman-Pedersen Inc., in Wilmington, have said they have revised the project’s driveway configuration and pedestrian access and the location and architecture of the car wash.