I wish to thank in advance the Sunderland Zoning and Planning boards and local citizens for carefully considering how permitting a Dollar General on the northeast corner of Rt. 116 and Clark Mountain Road, the road to a water tower, the Cliffs, Cliffside Apartments and Mt. Toby woods trails, furthers the safety and well-being of our water, citizens, and natural life. I have attended several meetings of the Zoning Board of Appeals and seen members shake their heads, puzzling over how adding vastly more commercial traffic could fit with the already congested territory of Rt. 116 from Old Amherst Road to the southern access to Dunkin’ and the Sunderland Plaza. This area is already thronged with PVTA and school buses, delivery and personal vehicles heading both north and south.
In addition to the increased consumer traffic, citizens have expressed fear regarding the tractor trailers that would service the Dollar General. A PVTA manager who lives behind the plaza testified at a zoning board meeting that even the best commercial drivers have collisions. A Dunkin’ manager noted that he witnesses numerous vehicular accidents not reported to the police. This is largely a pedestrian area where residents of three apartment complexes and other UMass students rely on public transit. We all dash across the street. Children board school buses. And incidentally, it seems that traffic begins to thicken at say 3 p.m., earlier than the period during which the developer has conducted its traffic study.
I was intrigued at a Selectboard meeting when a resident speculated about protection of the water district in which the site is located. She questioned the wisdom and legality of creating an impermeable surface which would then require treatment with salt and chemical de-icers, all making their way to the Connecticut River. The land in question is unpaved, a low, wet place, a grassy area with very old trees.
I still hear a woman standing in the back of the zoning board meeting: “What happens when they close up and move out? Sunderland, known for its small town, historic nature, will be left with the shell of a Dollar General.” This will not be good for property values nor a way to attract visitors and new residents. A shell of a building pays no taxes. This is neither smart zoning nor wise planning.
At the zoning board meetings, I have sensed an impatience on the part of the developer. There seems to be not an if but rather a when mentality, perhaps even a sense of entitlement. Or maybe it’s a desire to sign off on the project before more people get wind of what’s really happening, before board members organize their rebuttals.
So I ask Sunderland’s officials and residents to find the strength, determination and know-how to stand up for the protection of our town and those who find themselves on our roads, our trails and in our assortment of intriguing and satisfying locally owned businesses. The next zoning board meeting is Wednesday, Aug. 27 at 7 p.m. on the second story of Town Hall.
Carrie Kline is a resident and appreciator of Sunderland.