Community Corner

CVS Site Plan Gets Favorable Review

Plans Discussed Monday at Joint Meeting of Zoning Commission and EDC

A modified site plan for a CVS pharmacy on the former Gales Ferry School property was reviewed Monday by members of the Zoning Commission and Economic Development Commission at a second review workshop requested by the applicant.

EDC Chairman Mike Cherry summed up what appeared to be the consensus of the commissioners: The meeting went well and there were no “show-stoppers.” 

The developer, GB New England 2, is planning to submit a formal site plan in time for a public hearing to be held in September or October. Paul Beck, representing the developer, said CVS is hoping to break ground in the spring of 2012 and be open for business by the fall.

Find out what's happening in Ledyardwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The bulk of Monday’s discussion concerned details of the project, from sidewalks and setbacks to the height of the roof and depth of the windows. “New England-y” was a term was used several times in discussing the intent of the Gales Ferry regulations.

Project engineer Paul Vitaliano of Vanasse Hangen Brustlin in Middletown said the location of the 1,360-square-foot pharmacy had been moved back slightly from Route 12, compared to an earlier plan, to allow from more of a buffer and improved site lines. Most of the parking will be in front of the building.

Find out what's happening in Ledyardwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The building itself will be gray clapboard with white trim and a red brick base. The pitched, gabled roof will be 28 feet high at the peak. Commissioners discussed whether full-length windows or half windows would be preferable, and also discussed appropriate lighting for the parking lot.

“This is a contemporary building, maybe not by California standards, but by New England standards,” said Zoning Commission Chairman Eric Treaster, who encouraged the applicant to consider Gales Ferry District “ambiance” when choosing lighting for the site.

A traffic signal will be installed at the Route 12 and Hurlbutt Road intersection as part of the project. The town also intends to have the temporary classrooms at the former Gales Ferry School removed.

“I think the plan met with a fairly agreeable review,” said architect Kevin Paton of BKA Architects of Brockton, MA. He said he appreciated the cooperation from town officials.

“I believe we’re giving the town a project that fits in well with the area,” Beck said. “I think it’s a win-win.”


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here