Commission requires peer review for Marshalls distribution center plan, continues hearing

Developers proposed a major rework of the Marshalls New England Distribution Center site at 83 Commerce Way that, they said, would divert most truck traffic internally, add significant stormwater treatment, and restore about 12,300 square feet of riverfront at the Abigiani River.

Tom Pezierski of Merrill Engineers said the 26‑acre redevelopment would replace antiquated drainage with hydrodynamic separators, deep sump catch basins and a long‑term pollution prevention plan. He told the commission the plan aims to move two‑thirds to three‑quarters of truck traffic off Commerce Way, create separate passenger and truck entrances, and plant roughly 222 native shrubs while returning more than 70 native trees across the site.

Because the redevelopment exceeds one acre, the applicant acknowledged an EPA/NPDES permitting step. Commissioners expressed support for the stormwater and river‑restoration elements but said the scale of work requires peer review. “Given the scope of the project and the fact that we do require peer review for commercial projects, we should be seeking peer review for this project,” a commissioner said; the commission voted to seek peer review and to continue the hearing to the commission’s second September meeting to allow time for consultant review.

Next steps: the applicant will submit electronic materials for the commission to issue an RFP to peer consultants; the hearing will be continued so that peer review comments can be addressed before the commission acts on an order of conditions.