Sports shop defies Planning Board

Date: 9/19/2011

Sept. 19, 2011

By Chris Maza

Reminder Assistant Editor

EAST LONGMEADOW — Competitive Edge Ski and Bike is facing heavy fines after ignoring the Planning Board’s decision, which prohibited the company from hosting an outdoor tent sale in the front of their property at 612 North Main St.

The board discussed the sporting goods retailer’s request for waiver of site plan at their Aug. 30 meeting, which outlined the intention to set up a tent in the grassy area in front of the store in order to sell last year’s merchandise.

The company originally planned to host the sale in a tent in its parking lot, but Planning Director Robyn Macdonald informed the retailer that the parking area was too small to hold the tent and maintain adequate parking.

The biggest concern about Competitive Edge’s request was the manner in which it was prepared. Board members pointed out that the map was a simple drawing, which was not to scale and could not be verified.

Despite their concerns, the waiver was approved.

Immediately following the vote, Planning Board member Michael Carabetta said he was concerned the vote set a bad precedent.

The board then voted to reconsider and denied the motion by a 3-2 vote.

However, Competitive Edge proceeded to put the tent up for the sales event, which was advertised as running from Sept. 8 to Sept. 11.

“[The Planning Office has] received calls from people on Van Dyke Road complaining they could not pass because of the amount of cars parked on the street and there were issues with visibility,” Macdonald told Reminder Publications.

Because of their actions, Competitive Edge now would be assessed $1,000 in fines, according to Building Inspector Daniel Hellyer.

Competitive Edge faces a fine of $100 for the first day the tent was up without Planning Board approval, $200 for the second day, $300 for the third and $300 for every day thereafter the tent remained up.

In addition, Hellyer said, the company was assessed a $100 fine for not obtaining the proper permits required by the Massachusetts Board of Building Regulations and Standards.

“Of course, they have the right to take this to court and dispute it,” Hellyer said.

A request for comment from Competitive Edge was not returned as of press time.