Longmeadow Shops increases parking spaces in new plans

Date: 9/18/2014

LONGMEADOW – The Longmeadow Shops made a second presentation to the Planning Board at it’s Sept. 10 meeting regarding a proposed expansion project.

Previously, the Longmeadow Shops presented a plan at a Planning Board meeting on Aug. 6., which was about 100 parking spaces short of the zoning bylaw.

Planning Board Chair Bruce Colton said the new plan is still 75 parking spaces short of what is required under town zoning; however, the Longmeadow Shops can seek a waiver from the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA). 


Currently, the Longmeadow Shops holds a waiver from the ZBA for being four parking spaces short.

“It’s basically, I think, Section 12B of the zoning law allows the Zoning Board of Appeals can allow you to reduce the amount of parking spaces by 25 percent if you have mixed use development,” Matthew Wittmer, principal architectural designer for Phase Zero Design.

One of the proposed changes to the Longmeadow Shops is the relocation of the current 7,900-square-foot CVS to an area where there is currently grass and parking spaces, he said. The CVS would become roughly 21,000 square feet with a drive-through included.

Max Burger would also receive additional parking spaces and the traffic circulation would be improved, Walker said.

“The design elements incorporated into the proposal will maintain the charm and character of the shops, improve the circulation of the parking lot, and add about 21,000 square feet of retail space,” Steve Walker, regional property manager of Grove Property Fund, which owns the Longmeadow Shops, said.

“Then we have the vacancy where CVS is and we’re talking to some national and local tenants about those spaces.” 

Walker previously mentioned J. Crew as a potential tenant that has shown interest.

The project is dependent on a zone change in the area from R1 residential to business that will likely be on the warrant for the Special Town Meeting scheduled for Nov. 18.

The parcel of land between the shops and the First Church of Christ Scientist is owned by Grove Property and is currently zoned residential, Walker said.

On Oct. 1 the Planning Board will likely take a vote on whether to add the article to the warrant.

If an article is put on the Special Town Meeting’s warrant, the Board will host a public hearing on the proposed project and zoning change.

Residents abutting the property will be notified before the meeting.

“The longevity and success that the Longmeadow Shops has endured has resulted in the creation of jobs in the community, increased tax revenue, and also direct access for residents to high quality local and national retailers and restaurateurs,” Walker said.