WEYMOUTH − South Weymouth residents say a proposal to put a Starbucks coffee shop and a Chipotle Mexican Grill, each with a drive-thru, at Route 18 and Pond Street would exacerbate traffic problems for neighbors already struggling to pull out of their driveways and side streets.

The developers, Patrick Cleary and Michael Dhemecourt, of FX/Harborlight, are seeking a special permit for the proposed project at 505 Pond St. and 1537 Main St., which together total slightly more than 2 acres. The developers bought the properties in 2021.

The zoning board of appeals started its public hearing on the project this week.

The developers want to knock down the 40,950-square-foot warehouse building that was a Factory Paint and Decorating store, as well an unoccupied single-family home next door. The proposal would add two new buildings totaling 17,626 square feet.

A 9,710-square-foot building would have a proposed 2,590-square-foot Starbucks with a drive-thru and 6,990 square feet of general retail space.

A 7,916-square-foot building would have a 2,452-square-foot Chipotle Mexican Grill restaurant with a drive-thu window for mobile-order customers. The remaining space would be for general retail.

Cleary said the proposed total square footage is a reduction of about 60% compared to the current square footage on the properties.

The property would also have an outdoor seating area, along with 112 parking spaces. There are 26 spots on the lot now.

Doug Troyer, an attorney for the developers, said the property is “dilapidated” and does not conform with zoning regulations.

"This project we believe is a great use of this site and is compatible with the neighborhood," Troyer said.

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Author :Jessica Trufant

Source Url :https://www.patriotledger.com/story/news/2023/05/19/weymouth-ma-factory-paint-starbucks-chipotle-pond-street/70223218007/