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License Commission approves Sullivan's package store relocation to Island Pond Road despite neighborhood objections
Summary
The Springfield City License Commission on April 8 approved a petition to move Sullivan's Allen Street package store to 126 Island Pond Road, suite 2, after the petitioner said the plaza location is better suited and had prior unanimous approvals from planning bodies; several abutters opposed the move citing short notice and proximity to an autism therapy clinic.
The Springfield City License Commission voted April 8 to approve a petition to change the location of 390 Allen Street LLC, doing business as Sullivan's Allen Street package store, from 390 Allen Street to 126 Island Pond Road, suite 2.
Daniel Kelly, attorney for the petitioner, told the commission the relocation is part of a larger redevelopment plan that already received unanimous approvals from the city council, the planning board and zoning board of appeals. He said the proposed hours would match the current store's schedule — 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Sunday — and argued the shopping-plaza setting offers better parking and is a more appropriate location than the existing small house-like building on Allen Street. "This is a therapeutic setting by appointment only. It's not a school," Kelly said when addressing concerns about a neighboring tenant.
Supporters from the neighborhood and local business community urged the commission to approve the move. Frank Ryan of the East Forest Park Civic Association and business owner William Arment said the Sullivan family has been active in neighborhood revitalization and that moving the package store into the plaza would improve safety and circulation.
Several abutters, including Julie Marie George, spoke in opposition and asked for more time to review the proposal, saying they received notice less than 48 hours before the meeting. Neighbors raised concerns about the proposed location's proximity to a suite used for autism services that serves children. "If you Google 126 Island Pond Road... it is a community autism service," George said, adding that the plaza has playgrounds and that putting a package store next to a program for children is a concern for residents. Another neighbor described the short notice and difficulties joining the meeting online, and called for additional opportunities for abutters to be heard.
The city attorney advised commissioners that the state statute concerning proximity to schools or churches did not apply in this matter, saying the relevant proximity trigger was not met for this application.
After discussion, the commission moved and seconded approval of the change-of-location petition. Commissioners recorded affirmatives and the motion passed.
The commission's approval requires the applicants to complete any remaining licensing paperwork with the license office before operations commence at the new site.
