Town to vote on zoning change today
Toolbox
By Josh O'Gorman STAFF WRITER - Published: July 7, 2009
LUDLOW — Residents gathered Monday night to discuss — perhaps for the last time — a proposed zoning amendment that would open up the town to a fast-food restaurant with a drive-thru window.
Champlain Oil has petitioned to change the town's zoning bylaw to allow a structure with two or more businesses to have a drive-thru. The change would allow the company to build a 3,500-square-foot building with three gas pumps in the empty lot between Cota & Cota and Panarello's restaurant on Route 103, south of town.
It was the fourth public meeting on the subject, with the first before the Planning Commission, which opposes the change, and the second and third before the Select Board, which after hearing public comment voted to let residents decide the issue by ballot.
Unlike the Select Board's public hearing in May, which drew many residents in support of the change, Monday's meeting was fairly one-sided, with the only people speaking in support of the amendment being representatives from Champlain Oil and property owner Larry Kelley.
Monday, many Ludlow residents received a flier in the mail from Champlain Oil urging them to vote in favor of the amendment. According to the brochure, a "yes" vote will result in the permanent closure of the Jiffy Mart on Main Street, which has been closed for nearly two years, and allow a different use of the building.
Jiffy Mart representative Rob Landry said if the amendment passes, Jiffy Mart will either demolish the existing building or redesign it for another use. He said if the amendment fails, they will still redesign it, but, regardless, it will never be used as a Jiffy Mart again.
Landry said while the common rumor around town is that the business will house a McDonald's, the only fast-food franchise to approach them is Dunkin' Donuts.
Champlain Oil proposes to develop about 2 acres of the 10-acre parcel. According to the flier, in the event of a "yes" vote, Kelley will donate the remaining 8 acres to the town to create a park. Select Board member John Neal, who moderated the meeting, said his board has not had any meetings with Kelley regarding the land.
Earlier in the day, Municipal Manager Frank Heald said the town has not entered into any negotiations with Champlain Oil regarding the Jiffy Mart lot on Main Street.
Residents can vote from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. today at Town Hall.
josh.ogorman@rutlandherald.com
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