Cumberland Farms Looking to Open in Mansfield

Mansfield may be welcoming a new business at Four Corners soon.

Cumberland Farms, Inc. has submitted a special permit application to the town to expand its chain of convenience stores/gas stations at 634 Middle Tpke. and 1660 Storrs Rd.

The proposed complex would consist of a 3,634-square-foot building, with four gasoline dispensers.

The former Kathy John’s and Republic Oil gas station at the intersection of Routes 44, 195 and 320 would be demolished to make way for the project.

The site, situated across the street from Public America, has been vacant since April 2009, when the economy forced Kathy John's to shut down its 40-year business.

At a Planning & Zoning Commission public hearing Tuesday evening, resident Tony Lent said he believes Cumberland Farms would be a welcome addition to the area.

“I’m all for it,” Lent said. “It will dress the place up.”

As part of the project, Cumberland Farms would add a landscaped buffer along Routes 44 and 195. The proposed plan also calls for two 20,000-gallon underground storage tanks, an exterior garbage collection area and 22 parking spaces, according to documents filed with the P&Z Commission.

Paperwork made available by the P&Z Office says that Cumberland Farms would operate on a 24-hour basis, and is expected to create three full-time jobs and 10 part-time jobs in the community.

Following Tuesday’s public hearing, the Commission is working on a motion for its next meeting scheduled for Monday, March 5, at 7 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the Audrey P. Beck Municipal Building.

Click on the attached PDF file above to view revised plans for Cumberland Farms.