According to Michele Dowling, assistant to the ZBA here, Lowe's needed site plan approval, a special permit for outside storage and four variances. The site is currently zoned for industrial space. "It is a large-sized building for the lot and they couldn't meet the parking requirements," Dowling tells GlobeSt.com.
While two of the zoning board members voted for the proposal, the third member's dissenting vote caused the proposal to be rejected because the decision requires a unanimous vote. Dowling says that the dissenting member had problems with the increase in traffic the store would cause. Dowling adds that while there was some local opposition to the development of the store, there was "probably more [support] for the store."
Lowe's is currently appealing the decision in Superior Court. Interestingly, another home improvement store is being considered for a site a quarter of a mile away from this site. While Dowling declined to reveal the name of the store, she says that that decision for that proposal--for site plan approval--will be made within two to three weeks.
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