FARMINGTON – Rite Aid developers and architects were sent back to the drawing board Monday by Farmington’s Planning Board.

The board voted unanimously to have them return with two or three alternative plans for the next meeting.

During a lengthy discussion, residents voiced appreciation for the efforts to make the changes suggested at the last meeting but still wanted improvements in terms of landscaping with trees or flowers to break up the 155-foot front of the building along Intervale Road, as well as changes in sign plans.

Board member Clayton King voiced disappointment that there wasn’t more than one design to look over as was suggested at the previous meeting and moved that they return with more options.

Town Manager Richard Davis agreed with King, saying that with the use of computers, providing a few options was not that difficult.

“Farmington is a first-class town. We don’t have to accept second-class architecture,” he said. “While you have been cooperative in making changes, give Farmington what it needs, wants and deserves.”

Davis received a round of applause from residents.

The board held the public hearing on the proposed new Rite Aid to be located on the Intervale at the location of the Farmington Diner, CN Brown and an empty building between them.

The board listened to concerns regarding the architecture and landscaping of the new building, the location within a flood plain and traffic at the last meeting and made plans to hold a site review.

The proposed project includes a 14,670-square-foot building with 65 parking spaces and a two-lane pharmacy drive through – one lane for dropping off prescriptions and one for prescription pickup.

Brent Poi, survey and site engineer for the project, explained that the new design shown Monday included more shrubs along the road, smaller ornamental trees between Rite Aid and Irving’s lot, two trees planted at the front entrance. The architectural changes included a gable over the main door, partial column structures along the side with four small windows.

The plan also calls for less signage over the door but met objection from residents attending when a proposed large, bright sign complete with time and temperature was revealed for the corner of the lot closest to the road.

The board also held a public hearing for the proposed 14-lot subdivision off Maple Avenue located between Sunset Avenue and Granite Heights. Following discussion on a request to keep a nature trail along the back of the lots, the board voted unanimously to accept the application.

Vicki and Johnathan Cohen of Sunset Avenue asked board members for an easement to keep a nature trail that they said residents have been using for nine or more years that runs through along the back edge of the property. They also expressed concern for the wildlife, numerous deer, that shelter in the area.

The Planning Board was sympathetic to their request but a member said they could not regulate what someone does on their land and it was beyond the board’s jurisdiction.

Kevin Vining plans to develop the site into house lots that will include town water and sewer. His plan also includes a road through the site that will be built to town specifications so that it could eventually become a town road.

Concerns expressed during a site review held on May 30 prompted the public hearing on Monday.