Representatives of the Uptown Merchants Association appeared before the Board of Appeals last night to officially voice their firm opposition to a pending application for a special permit that would clear the way for a new shopping center on Walpole Street.
Merchants Contend Center Will Harm Downtown Business
Speaking on behalf of the local merchants, Daniel T. Callahan argued that the proposed commercial development would severely impact existing retail enterprises in the heart of the community. Callahan bluntly asserted that the new shopping center “is needed like a hole in the head,” expressing deep concern that the influx of new retail space would trigger an adverse effect on already dwindling business activity within the downtown center.
The proposed shopping center development is designed to house a major food chain supermarket, a department store, and several individual service and novelty retail shops. Callahan maintained that the Board of Appeals possessed solid legal grounds to deny the special permit request “because of the hazardous traffic conditions it would impose in the area.”
Board of Appeals Chairman Cites Procedural Timing and Legal Rulings
Board of Appeals Chairman James Drummey expressed frustration regarding the timing of the merchants’ late intervention, noting that public hearings on the matter had already concluded. Addressing Callahan directly, Drummey remarked, “It’s extremely unfortunate that you come to us at this late date, because you place the board in a precarious position.”
Furthermore, Drummey read a recent legal ruling issued by Town Counsel Walter J. Gotovich, which explicitly pointed out that the board could not legally consider new information or arguments provided after a public hearing had officially closed when making its final determination on a case.
Acknowledging the procedural oversight, Callahan conceded that the merchant group should have mobilized sooner. “However, the fact is that there are many vacant stores now downtown, and we’re vitally concerned about this matter,” Callahan stated.
The Board of Appeals did not immediately indicate whether the merchants’ late plea would be formally factored into their ultimate ruling on the special permit request.
Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger
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