St. Mary's Credit Union Checks Off Another Milestone

St. Mary's Credit Union checked off another task Tuesday night toward opening its first Westborough branch.

Selectmen approved the bank's site plan for 96 Turnpike Road, the former Friendly's, following a public hearing at Westborough Town Hall.

"I'm just excited," Selectman George Barrette said.

"Friendly's has been an eyesore since they closed."

St. Mary's Credit Union earlier this year.

Opening here in July 2013 opening is the goal, bank executive James Petkwich said.

The bank, which turns 100 next year, and "we're really excited to have this as part of that celebration," he said. St. Mary's Credit Union has three branches in Marlborough and one each in Northborough and Hudson, he said.

Westborough accounts are among St. Mary's Credit Union's top 10 in deposits and in loans, Petkwich said.

"Looking at Westborough really helps us solidify and further optimize our branch footprint," he said.

Architect Michael Scott said St. Mary's Credit Union will demolish all existing structures on the roughly one-acre site.

The new 3,000-square-foot building will have a drive-through lane and 29 parking spaces, Scott said. The bank will have an outside ATM, but not an inside one, he said.

The planning board has issued a special permit for the project, Scott said. The conservation commission has issued an order of conditions.