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Date: 4/10/2015
WEST SPRINGFIELD – West Springfield could be seeing more drive through banks cropping up in town. At least that is what one group is hoping.
The Town Council conducted a public hearing on April 6 to discuss the possibility of a change to all B1-A Zoning Districts that would eliminate the restriction against “banks, credit unions and trust companies with drive-through service.”
The petitioner, Simon Brighenti Jr. of O’Connell, Attmore and Morris LLC made a presentation to the council and public, outlining the proposal on behalf of 10 West Springfield residents and business owners.
The proposed change would require a special permit to allow financial institutions with drive-through services in BA-1 Zoning Districts. The Town Commons was the primary area being discussed, which already has two drive-through financial institutions within the district.
Brighneti said both the First Niagara Bank and Westfield Bank were grandfathered in and allowed in the district.
As it stands, financial institutions are allowed in BA-1 Zoning Districts; it is all drive-through services that are prohibited. Brighneti said that when a United Bank made a similar proposal in 2004, the main concern was that a bank is at a significant financial disadvantage without a drive through.
“Customer convenience requires drive-throughs, and that was 10 years ago. It remains so today,” he said.
A handful of residents attended the public hearing to voice concern about increased traffic as a result of drive-through presence, as well as questions about fast food chains that may petition for permits in the same zone.
“Restaurants with drive throughs are specifically not allowed,” Brighneti said. “You can have a restaurant without a drive-through, but you can’t these days have a financial institution without one.”
Brighneti said, should the amendment be approved, it does not necessarily mean that any bank or credit union that wishes to have a drive through will be allowed to have one. All institutions would still need to go through the permitting process.
“By requiring a special permit through the Planning Board, it gives the board opportunity to look at what the applicant has planned and the flexibility to decide yes or no,” he said. “It’s important to note that this is what we are seeking in the BA-1 change, as well, and that we understand that there are no guarantees that the special permit won’t automatically be granted or be denied.”
One of the original petitioners, Nick LaPierre, attended the meeting to speak in favor of the amendment. He said that, as a business owner who works adjacent to one of the buildings that would be affected by this amendment, he and his business were likely to be most impacted by a drive-through bank.
LaPierre said this chance for change was not a burden but a chance to send a sign to businesses interested in coming to West Springfield.
“If the town council doesn’t want to hear petitioners, the Planning Department doesn’t want to give petitions, then what kind of message are they sending to any other business outside of West Springfield about coming to West Springfield,” LaPierre said.
Brighneti echoed these sentiments, saying it would only improve the downtown area.
“I believe it’s a small change. It will make the area more business friendly,” he said. “It will not cause significant disruption to either current traffic or the quality of life. It would be welcoming businesses in West Springfield.”
The public hearing will be continued on April 21, the first town council meeting after the planning board discusses it. For a copy of the proposed zoning ordinance amendment, visit the Planning Department Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.