Stewart's Shops redevelopment on Route 7 draws questions on septic, contamination, access and daycare proximity

Stewart's Shops representative Charles Marshall presented a large redevelopment concept for two parcels on US Route 7, proposing to remove an existing gas station and motel and build a new Stewart's convenience store and gas/diesel station with related site work and a mound septic system. Marshall told the board Stewart's acquired the Jolley assets and is exploring locating the store on the Eastern parcel across Route 7; he said Vermont’s Agency of Transportation has approved, in principle, the idea of piping sewer/septic under Route 7 but access points have not been finalized.

Marshall acknowledged a contaminated area on the Western parcel and said the company is working with state programs; he described two septic concepts including alternating pumping between systems on opposite parcels and said the tanks would be buried on the northeast corner. Zoning Administrator Katie Hill flagged that, as drawn, the Eastern parcel alone exceeded current lot-coverage limits (78% vs. the 40% limit) and noted a pending bylaws revision proposing a 70% maximum that might affect design choices. Neighbors raised privacy concerns and potential shortcut traffic through private driveways; Vernon Devine asked about tree buffers or fencing and Jean Richardson, speaking as an interested public member and Planning Commission participant, objected to any Old Hollow Road access near the congested Route 7 intersection and flagged a daycare with 53 children nearby. The board voted to continue the hearing to allow the applicant to provide further details on septic plans, contamination remediation options, access design and wetlands investigation.