SOUTH DEERFIELD — Review of a Cumberland Farms proposed gas station at Routes 5 and 10 and Elm Street was put on hold by the Planning Board this week and rescheduled for its next meeting.
A public hearing had been scheduled for Tuesday’s meeting, however Planning Board Chairman John Waite said the gas station’s plans weren’t ready for review. He said the convenience store chain is trying to get the go-ahead from the Conservation Commission, because a portion of the 31 Elm St. property is classified as wetland.
“The main item left for their move is storm water issues, and they’re still resolving that,” Waite said, referring to a previous Conservation Commission meeting during which Cumberland Farms planners were asked to raise the proposed convenience store a few feet because of the parcel’s high water table.
“They’re planning on raising the building a little bit,” Waite continued, adding, “so there will be that 2 feet (clearance)” from the water table.
Plans have been moving through state and local government for months now. If all approve, the gas station in the center of the village would close and move to Routes 5 and 10, across from Yankee Candle.
During Tuesday’s meeting, Waite read a few concerns submitted by town officials through a request for comments. Of note, Police Chief John Paciorek Jr. said he’s concerned with increased traffic the gas station’s move could bring with it.
Waite said Cumberland Farms along with the Mass. Department of Transportation is looking at the concerns.
As of press time, there was no word on when the next Conservation Commission meeting will be.
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