The Marion Planning Board met on Monday, August 3, for two public hearings. However, one was continued, leaving only the hearing for the new proposed Uncle Jon’s Coffee on the docket.
After approving the minutes from its July 20 meeting, the board quickly approved a payment of $413.69 to Toll Brothers, Inc. for a field test engineering peer review at 78 Wareham Way.
Next, the board continued its already-continued public hearing on the proposed expansion of the existing structure at 14 Barnabas Road by applicant Paul Downey until its Monday, August 17, meeting.
The board then continued another public hearing for a site plan application for the new proposed Uncle Jon’s Coffee location at 413 Wareham St. Many architects and engineers were present for the review, representing coffee shop owner Jonathan Pope. They began by going over the traffic and parking study.
Much of this time was spent clarifying various aspects of the proposal, with it being noted that the new shop would allow the current Front Street location to be moved to the new site. It was also stated that the proposed parking area complies with town zoning bylaws, with the site not planning to use Wells Road for its parking compliance. Representatives said Wells Road may eventually be used for loading, as well as potentially for staff parking, but still sought confirmation, as the town may look to improve the small, 300-foot-long street.
The representatives also noted that the dumpster location, as well as the loading area, would not impede local traffic. They stated they had reached out to the local fire department to confirm that the site is accessible to emergency vehicles. Although they had not yet received a reply, they confirmed, “the site is very accessible.”
There was an additional presentation on the site plan review itself, where the representatives explained how work on the site will maintain compliance. It was also stated that the sidewalk on Wareham Road may be replaced/widened, and that an environmental and soil study will be needed because the plot originally housed a gas station.
For stormwater management, various improvements are proposed for the site. The current system has not yet been fully reviewed for compliance, though the applicant has requested a waiver from the town’s stormwater requirements.
The board unanimously supported continuing the hearing. The next meeting of the Marion Planning Board is scheduled for Monday, August 17, at 7:00 pm in the Marion Police Department.
Marion Planning Board
By Sam Bishop