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Planning board approves minor modification at 125 Union Street to allow Shake Shack
Summary
The Braintree Planning Board approved a minor modification to Planning Board file 23-01 allowing a smaller easterly building for Shake Shack, finding vehicle trips would fall about 52% from the previously approved Chick‑fil‑A and that off‑site mitigation already committed will be completed before opening.
The Braintree Planning Board voted to approve a requested minor modification for 125 Union Street that reduces the approved easterly building and allows Shake Shack to occupy the smaller space.
Frank Marinelli, representing the applicant team, told the board the easterly building’s footprint was reduced roughly 35% — about 1,800 square feet from the prior Chick‑fil‑A approval — and that weekday vehicle trips are estimated to drop about 52% compared with the earlier approval. Marinelli said the reduction and a peer‑reviewed parking study (VAI, peer‑review by Ty and Bond) mean the site’s parking demand has fallen under the bylaw calculation; the site was originally approved with a 20‑space variance to allow 94 spaces instead of 114, and the current plan provides 83 spaces relative to a 94‑space requirement.
Will Poppy, director of operations for the Northeast for Shake Shack, said timing and opening depend on construction approvals; typical build‑out takes about five months from groundbreaking. Jeff Gannon of Torrington Properties said the shell of the westerly building is substantially complete and anticipated tenant openings in about three to four months.
Jeffrey Dirk, the project transportation consultant, said signal equipment for pedestrian crossings is 90% installed but activation awaits crosswalk markings and final paving; the installation contract includes a warranty and monitoring period and the board’s approval contains monitoring conditions to allow timing adjustments if needed.
Chair Crohoff (addressed during the hearing) asked for a motion. Member Connolly moved to approve the requested minor modification and Member Cain seconded; the board approved the change by voice vote (‘Aye’).
The approval includes continuing to complete all off‑site improvements promised with the earlier approval and monitoring conditions on the new signal timing and circulation. The applicant team said they have completed substantial intersection work and landscaping and will finalize signage through later permits. The file will be updated with the board’s draft decision and conditions.
