Planning Board Mulls Parking at Proposed Fast Food/Gas Station Complex

The Chelmsford Planning Board took another step toward a decision on the proposed 3,900 fast food/gas development at the corner of Oak Street and Littleon Road last week, agreeing to a site walk prior before they reconvene on Sept. 12.

Located near Gene’s Chinese Flatbread Café, the board took up various topics on the proposal ranging from lighting to coordination with the Zoning Board of Adjustments and Massachusetts Department of Transportation.

Speaking to the board, engineer Mark Allen indicated that the drive thru portion of the lot would have 24 feet between the building itself and the lot line, tapering to 20 feet on the side of the building opposite to Littleton Road.

This width, he said, would be enough for a tractor trailer to turn comfortably without hitting canopies on the building itself.

Allen also told the board that the development has 19 planned parking spaces, with signs placed along Littleton Road prohibiting parking of trucks.

This was not enough for Cal Davison, managing agent of the abutting Woodland Square condo association.

Davison told the board that while she appreciated their effort, she still had concerns with parking of trucks and other issues in how they would impact Woodland Square residents.

“Nobody has convinced me that I should stop being worried about parking and noise,” she said. “I don’t care what kind of signs you have, the truckers will park right in front of the no parking signs because it’s easier, I don’t care how many you put up.”

Developer Jay Patel noted that he lives less than a mile from the site and wants to work with residents and the town in creating a plan that will not cause problems down the line, citing similar developments he has overseen elsewhere in the Commonwealth.

“Any location that we own, there’s never been an issue to the town,” said Patel. “We always do things the right way and my record speaks for itself… We will make sure that the neighbors are secure and safe.”

If approved, the building is slated to host a gas station (New World Gas) and a pair of fast food restaurants (Honey Dew Donuts and Subway).