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Planning board approves Pearl Plaza modification to replace Burger King with Chipotle; parking easement granted
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Summary
The board approved a major modification to permit a new 2,400-square-foot Chipotle pad at Pearl Plaza (replacing a Burger King) and granted a related minor modification to reassign eight parking spaces from an adjacent parcel for zoning compliance.
The Planning Board voted 5-0 on May 13 to approve a major modification (Planning Board File 9323) for Pearl Plaza Realty Trust to replace an existing Burger King building with a new, smaller Chipotle pad and to recharacterize an adjacent retail building to reflect fast-food tenants. The board also granted a minor modification to use eight parking spaces from an adjacent Pearl Plaza parcel to meet the site’s parking requirement.
Attorney Frank Marinelli presented the proposal on behalf of Pearl Plaza Realty Trust and said the new Chipotle pad will be approximately 2,400 square feet (smaller than the previous 3,082-square-foot Burger King). Marinelli told the board the proposal will remove a vacant building, replace it with an occupied pad and is supported by the owner and operator.
Parking and process
Staff explained the retail building’s change in use increased the parking demand; the applicant proposed to serve the requirement by granting an easement to reassign eight spaces from the adjacent parcel. Planning staff recommended approval of both the major modification (site-plan review because the building is being replaced) and the minor modification for shared parking easement; the board approved both motions.
Public comments and design
Resident Susan Schallman urged attention to building materials and design so new construction fits the character of the plaza and nearby square. No procedural objections were raised by abutters at the hearing.
Board action
Member Kane moved to approve the major modification (Planning Board File 93-23); Member Connolly seconded and the motion passed 5-0. The subsequent minor modification motion (to allow the parking easement/change) was moved by Member Connolly, seconded by Member Kent and also passed 5-0.
Next steps
The applicant will record any required easements and submit final site plans and building-permit applications to the town. Planning staff will ensure parking easements and recorded documents are filed before lot conveyance or occupancy.
