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Group backs warrant article

Lawn signs like this will be available at the April 4 meeting. Reminder photo by Al Villani
By Sarah M. Corigliano

Assistant Managing Editor



EAST LONGMEADOW In recent news releases, the group East Longmeadow First! has stated that the developers seeking to build a Lowe's off North Main Street in East Longmeadow have presented a new timetable to town officials.

However, Planning and Zoning Director Robyn MacDonald said she is the individual who was contacted and that it is her job is to work with developers, regardless of whether they have officially filed plans or applications with the town. At press time, she said the developers, Edens & Avant of South Carolina, had not filed any plans with the Planning Board.

"I have been contacted with information on new business affiliates that are going to be working on the Lowe's plan," she explained. "It was just a fact-finding mission when they called or came in. As the director of Planning and Zoning, that's what I'm here for -- to give developers information."

She added, "I don't want people to get the impression that things are going on behind closed doors because they're truly not."

Despite a lack of official plans, East Longmeadow First! continues its fight against the big box home improvement store with petitions, letter writing campaigns, lawn signs and more.

Spokesperson Lynn Smith said that the group's April 4 meeting is an important one.

"It's a particularly important meeting so we can get everyone together," she said.

Opponents, whether officially part of the group or not, will be asked to attend the April 10 Planning Board hearing regarding Selectman James Driscoll's proposed warrant article.

Since the article seeks to amend zoning by-laws, it requires a two-thirds vote of all voters present at the May 1 Annual Town Meeting to pass. The town's Planning Board is also legally required to vote to recommend or not recommend the article after hosting the hearing. That vote will not have a bearing on whether the article appears on the warrant, nor does it affect the voters' decision May 1.

Driscoll explained that it's not uncommon for selectmen to work on warrant articles independently, which was his approach with this one. He added, though, that he has been supported by Selectmen John Claffey and Gary Delisle.

"I grew up in East Longmeadow so I've seen a tremendous amount of growth in my 40 years here," he explained. "I am active in all facets of the community, and people come up to me no matter where, because there's something on their mind ... and uncontrolled growth is one of the top three concerns."

In an effort to control retail growth, Driscoll seeks to amend East Longmeadow zoning by-laws to place a dimensional limit on retail development.

His proposed amendment would limit new retail buildings to 40,000 square feet -- which he explained as just under an acre, not including parking. He compared that with a football field, which is 48,000 square feet. Existing businesses, he said, would not be affected by any change.

The change, if it passes, would continue the town's efforts to reign in overall development.

"I think we took a good step from a residential perspective by allowing the 55 and older condominium development at last Town Meeting," he said. "I think it will control growth in a positive way."

To continue that growth control trend with businesses in town makes sense, he said.

"I look at what's happening on the business side -- particularly retail on North Main Street," he continued. "Lowe's was kind-of an awakening ... it's going to make just an overwhelming impact if it goes through as it has been seen."

Driscoll said he worked with Town Counsel on the draft of his article.

"We have a confusing form of government and it's a zoning change," he explained. "I can only think of three or four zoning changes in the last 35 years. We have to be well organized and it has to be something people care about."

Voters will have a chance to tell the Planning Board what they think about Driscoll's article at the scheduled April 10 Planning Board hearing.

The full text of the article is available at the office of the Planning Board, the Town Clerk and the Board of Selectmen.

Smith said she is supportive of Driscoll's article.

"A group of us will be present on the 10th," Smith said. "There are an awful lot of citizens against it [the Lowe's project]."

Residents who are interested in getting involved with East Longmeadow First!, or in obtaining a petition or lawn sign, may attend the April 4 meeting at Simone's Restaurant at 7 p.m. The restaurant is located at 60 Shaker Rd. For more information, call 746-2886.