Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Zoning Development topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council clears way for gas station at Walmart lot; broader townwide change continued for more study
Summary
Council approved Ordinance 26‑18 to permit gasoline service stations in the Business Park zone — the change was requested by Walmart — after lengthy debate over setbacks, environmental safeguards, and state oversight of underground storage tanks. A companion townwide ordinance (26‑19) proposing to allow stations in additional zones was continued to August 25 for more study and additional information.
The Town Council on June 9 approved an ordinance to allow gasoline service stations as a permitted use in the Business Park zone, clearing the way for a station proposed near the Walmart property in the Center of New England. Attorney Melissa Horn, representing Walmart, told the council the company sought to add a full‑service or self‑service fueling option at the southeast corner of the Walmart site and had proposed distance and lighting controls to protect nearby residences.
Planning staff and the solicitor presented the proposal’s background: earlier state changes to special‑use permit law prompted the town to rework its code to avoid inconsistent reviews, and the council directed staff to draft a uniform set of technical restrictions (setbacks, pump separation, lighting mitigation, and noise controls) for fuel‑oriented uses.
Council discussion focused on separation distances from residential parcels, environmental and state oversight for underground storage tanks, conflicts with federal mortgage rules (FHA), and whether a 100‑foot setback was sufficient. Several residents and council members urged a larger buffer (300 feet) to avoid potential property‑value impacts; others urged that the code provide clear stormwater and spill protections and identify which rules remain under DEM jurisdiction.
The council approved Ordinance 26‑18 (Business Park zone) but continued the broader Ordinance 26‑19 — which would allow the use in General Business and Industrial zones and contains further code clean‑up — to August 25, 2026, asking staff to supply comparables from other towns, clarify regulatory responsibilities (DEM vs. town), and supply lot‑specific measurements for the Walmart parcel.
Speakers quoted are drawn from the council, planning staff, and Walmart’s attorney.
