FARMINGTON – Representatives from a development company and engineering firm presented a pre-application plan Monday night to the Planning Board to build a Home Depot as well as a smaller retail center directly across from Wal-Mart.
William Haskell, vice president of site development for Gorrill-Palmer Consulting Engineers, gave the short presentation to board members. Along with Mark Conley of W/S Developments Associates and Nelson Cabral of Home Depot, Haskell presented the board with information regarding irrigation, potential flood problems for the adjacent Wilson Stream and possible wetland impact for the surrounding site.
Board member Thomas Eastler had questions concerning the peak time of Wilson stream as well as water treatment for any runoff that may leak into the stream from the parking area. More information including a storm-water, hydrological analysis would be provided in the future stages, said Haskell.
The proposed retail site would be on 72 acres at the Mount Blue Shopping Center. The Home Depot would take up an estimated 130,000 square feet, in addition to a garden center, and would be on the eastern side of the property.
The smaller retail center would be primarily located on the western side and would take up about 50,000 square feet. The small building would feature multiple tenants and could possibly change in design. Total parking spaces for both structures are estimated to be around 919 spots, which exceeds town parking requirements.
The entrance for the proposed site would be at the same traffic light as the Wal-Mart entrance, and no significant traffic impact is expected, said Haskell. Some off-site improvements are needed, including the widening and expanding of the left turn lane for the existing traffic light.
According to Conley, the site contains various complex zoning boundaries and has been an expensive project.
“There’s been everything a site can throw at you except for nuclear waste,” joked Conley.
Both Haskell and Conley expect final plans to be in by late January, and if all goes as planned, the possible grand opening of the Home Depot could come in late 2006.
Chairman L. Herbert York called the presentation “very helpful” and thanked the representatives for their effort.
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