In a unanimous vote at its July 13 meeting, the three-person board approved the zoning requests, and brought the construction company, Intoccia closer to construction.
Town Administrator Benjamin Puritz said that the approval was a major milestone for the process, which has been developing in Sharon for years. He said the mall would help revitalize the Sharon economy, by relieving residents of some of the high tax burden.
“Its an enhancement to the economic vitality of the town,” he said. “And it would translate into quality life improvements as well.”
The mall will be anchored by BJs and Target, and will be accessible off Old Post Road.
Robert Shelmerdine, the legal counsel for the developers said that the mall, which is planned to be approximately 400,000 square feet, will be home to approximately 20 stores, including BJs and Target as the main anchor departments.
Shelmerdine said that the mall, which is going to be built in the area off Interstate 95, at exit eight, is in prime location due to its close proximity to the highway. He said that 95 would bring thousands of cars through the area every day, and would lead to increased business.
“Its such a good location,” he said. “It brings a larger geographic base to the center.”
Intoccia’s construction plans were most recently delayed in May when Sharon resident Ed McSweeny spoke to the Board of Selectmen about a potential water drainage issue, that could have adversely harmed his nearby home.
Puritz said that through a peer review process, lead by Tom Houston, the conflict was resolved. The peer review process showed that although McSweeny’s concerns were valid, there was an engineering means to protecting against any harm.
Shelmerdine said that the economic downturn has also delayed the construction process, as the developers had to step back when the money was limited.
“I think when this project was taken on, they were a lot more aggressive because the economic times were a lot better,” he said.
Selectmen William A. Heitin said that the vote was exciting because it brought Intoccia one step closer to building the mall, which he said the board has supported for years.
“The board has supported this throughout the process,” he said. “Its tremendous on an economic basis.”
Heitin said that the mall would bring an estimated net gain of approximately $3 million in taxes, which could revitalize the town, and reduce the tax rates for Sharon citizens. Shelmerdine said that currently approximately 93 percent of the Sharon tax base is residential, and for that reason a commercial presence would help the Sharon citizens.
ZBA Chairman Kevin McCarville said that the board approved the initiative because the developers had addressed all concerns. He also said that the town’s 2007 support for the mall played a part in their approval as well. He said the company will now begin the next phase, preparing for the building of the center.
“They are on track to begin construction now,” he said.
Puritz said that Intoccia will now begin gathering building permits, and soon after they will begin construction. He said the development would be an exciting new outlet for Sharon citizens to shop.
“Its nice to have options in your community,” he said.
Evan Koslof
7/29/11
Originally Posted: http://www.wickedlocal.com/sharon/news/x404072182/Sharon-Commons-approved-by-ZBA#axzz1TWiU7eE5
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