Norwood Planning Board Considers Drive-Thru For Route 1 Business

NORWOOD, MA — The planning board tabled a vote for a new, yet-to-be named restaurant building a drive-thru on Route 1, following opposition from an abutting business. The proposal would allow the construction of the drive-thru prior to a tenant taking on a lease at the property.

George Saba owns a gas station at 960 Providence Highway. At the last meeting on Dec. 17, he said he's against the new business at 940- 958 Providence Highway adding a drive-thru because he's worried about traffic, especially for nearby residents who frequent his gas station. According to Saba, the additional traffic would make it harder for his customers to exit onto Route 1 and also create a potential safety hazard.

“It’s going to make a stack pile that will be unsafe for my customers,” Saba said.

Saba argued there's already traffic getting on Route 1 sometimes and adding a drive-thru would only make the problem worse.

“Sometimes I need to spend one minute before I can get onto the highway,” he said.

Attorney James Hilliard represents the owner of the property. He told the planning board safety in regards to both traffic and noise was already considered. As far as traffic, project engineer Matt Smith told the planning board the shape of the driveway and the plans for building the drive-thru account for safety to the point that 23 cars could be supported before there would be any spill-over into Route 1.

"If someone is at the drive-thru, we have room for 13 cars and not have the cars back up at all into the parking area," Smith said.

Beyond the parking area, the shape of the parking lot allows for another 10 to 11 cars before any potential spill-over into the street. However, Smith said he doesn't anticipate lines beyond the initial 13 cars.

"I believe we have met all the requirements," Hilliard said.

According to Hilliard the Department of Public Works, as well as the police and fire departments reviewed the plan and approved it. Hilliard also argued Saba was not qualified to gauge potential traffic concerns.

"We all know this highway," Hilliard said. "It is all highway business, it is all industry. There is no issue with residence."

A vote was tabled until the next planning board meeting because some members said they were not prepared to vote, considering Saba's concerns.

Photo by Dan Libon/ Patch