The Colvest Group Files Appeal over Planning Board Modification at Towne Shoppes
LONGMEADOW — The Colvest Group announced it has filed an appeal with Hampden County Superior Court challenging the Longmeadow Planning Board’s decision to modify the developer’s site plan by restricting access at the primary driveway of its proposed retail development at 916 Williams St., known as Towne Shoppes of Longmeadow.
Colvest says the restriction could put in jeopardy a project backed by the community and expected to generate significant new tax revenue for the town. In all other respects, the board approved the developer’s site plan proposed by Colvest.
The proposed development is designed to expand the Longmeadow Shops area, providing retail and restaurant options that residents have supported throughout the zoning process. It is projected to generate an estimated $250,000 to $300,000 in new annual tax revenue, supporting the town’s growing budget needs.
The project record includes two independent traffic studies, including one commissioned by the Planning Board and reviewed by public safety officials, none of which recommend that full access from the primary driveway be restricted to accommodate projected traffic. Colvest contends that limiting the primary access driveway to right-turn-only exit does not improve safety, according to these studies, and creates inconvenient traffic patterns that threaten project viability and tenant interest.
“This project received strong support from Longmeadow residents, and it represents an opportunity to strengthen the commercial corridor while contributing meaningful revenue to the town,” said Frank Colaccino, CEO of the Colvest Group. “We are filing this appeal to ensure the decision reflects the facts and allows safe, functional development to move forward.”
Colvest’s appeal asks the court to annul the Planning Board’s restriction on left-turn exiting from the primary driveway or to direct the board to revise its site plan approval by deleting the restriction on left-turn exiting from the primary driveway.
