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Taunton board continues Taco Bell and retail plan at 293 Winthrop Street to Oct. 2 after neighbors raise safety and nuisance concerns
Summary
The Planning Board continued a public hearing on a proposed Taco Bell and 3,600 sq ft retail building at 293 Winthrop St. to Oct. 2 for further engineering review and MassDOT coordination after neighbors raised concerns about driveway proximity to the signal, queuing, noise, odors and drainage.
The Taunton Planning Board on Sept. 4 continued the public hearing for a proposed Taco Bell (2,240 sq ft with drive‑through) and an attached 3,600 sq ft retail building at 293 Winthrop Street to Oct. 2 to allow time for additional review by the city engineer and MassDOT.
Chris Tumula, the applicant’s professional engineer, said the plan reflects MassDOT comments that required the driveway be pushed as far from the intersection as practical; he also noted conservation commission approval for work adjacent to wetlands and the team’s intent to provide sidewalks, ADA connections and on‑site queuing. Traffic consultant Robert Bollinger said the Taco Bell is expected to drive most site trips and that the traffic study analyzed PM and Saturday midday peak hours.
Residents at the hearing described potential impacts from the drive‑through and related site elements. Edward J. Higginson, who lives abutting the site, raised concerns about food‑service odors, loudspeaker noise, dumpster placement adjacent to his property, pest problems and drainage impacts. He asked for written guarantees on noise levels and drainage and said he might retain counsel to protect his property. Board members acknowledged the concerns and proposed mitigation options including specifying a decibel limit at the property line, moving dumpsters, and requiring city engineer sign‑off on drainage.
Several board members urged the applicant to seek a right‑turn‑only condition for egress if MassDOT permits; others noted MassDOT could require full access. The applicant said MassDOT has not yet reviewed the revised driveway plan. Given the outstanding engineering questions and neighborhood concerns, the board voted to continue the hearing to Oct. 2 so the city engineer can review drainage plans and MassDOT can comment on driveway access.
The continuance preserves all comments from the Sept. 4 hearing; the applicant and neighbors were asked to provide additional documentation and to coordinate with staff ahead of the October meeting.
