Towne Shoppes
of Longmeadow:
A Win for Longmeadow
The property is located on William Street about 100 yards east of where Bliss Road merges into William Street. The site is located directly next to the very popular Longmeadow Shops and within close proximity to Williams Place and Big Y. This section of Williams Street and Bliss Road is home to the majority of Longmeadow’s retail amenities and restaurants. The site itself is approximately 3 acres in size, just under a third of the size of the Longmeadow Shops.
Zone Change Needed
Colvest is seeking a zone change from Residence A-1 to Business—the same zone as the Longmeadow Shops, Williams Place and Big Y—for the construction of approximately 25,000–30,000 square feet of retail space in one or more single-story buildings for lease to tenants. Colvest has named this project “Towne Shoppes of Longmeadow,” and the development will essentially be an expansion of the Longmeadow Shops, consistent with its design and character.
Colvest is committed to attracting high-quality, specialty retail shops, which may include a fine, desirable restaurant, all of which would be complementary to the stores at the Longmeadow Shops. Until the property is zoned for Business, Colvest cannot attract and acquire commitments from potential tenants.
On September 6, the Longmeadow Planning Board held a public hearing to review the proposed zone change and make their recommendation to the town meeting. After the public hearing was closed, the planning board voted unanimously 5-0 in favor of recommending the zone change.
The Towne Shoppes of Longmeadow: Build Support For Better
An overview of the project, its benefits to the Town of Longmeadow, and our progress to date in this informative video.
Committee for Responsible Development
Committee members:
- Jim Stewart
- Ray Lukas
- Bob Stewart
- Bill Firestone
- Mark Draymore
- Marie Draymore
- Bill Fitzgerald
- Tom Shea
- Armand Wray
- Jeff Roberts
- John Rousou
- Maria Rousou
- Ron Abdow
- Jim Brennan
- Brian Fitzgerald
- Bob Clarke
- Judy Yaffe
- Tyler Saremi
- Al Miles
- Andy Mirkin
- Eric Lesser – Former Senator
- Sam Hanmer
- Brian Ashe – State Representative
- Andrew Henshon
- Jeff Fialky
- John Sjoberg
- Fran Cataldo
- Sue Halpern
- Richard Halpern
- Todd Goodrich
- Marie Angelides
- Douglas Sarnelli
- Jeff Grodsky
- Chris Diamond
- Sue Greco
- Francis Mirkin
- Nancy Mirkin
Your
vote matters!
Please attend the town meeting on Tuesday, November 7 at 7 p.m. in the Longmeadow High School gymnasium to vote in favor of a zone change for this project. Read on to learn how this development will benefit Longmeadow and its residents!
Benefits to Residents and Town of Longmeadow!
Increased, much-needed tax revenue.
The proposed retail space will generate an estimated additional $250,000–$300,000 of “new growth” tax revenues annually, including real estate taxes, personal property taxes of tenants, parking lot storm water fees and potential meal taxes. This would help to fund the town’s increasing expenses.
Best use of the property.
Colvest believes the use of this property to expand the shopping area currently adjacent to it is more beneficial to the town than uses available in a residential zone.
Enhanced local shopping and dining options.
As the success of the Longmeadow Shops has demonstrated, residents appreciate the convenience of a local retail destination in keeping with the town’s look and feel.
Updated intersection.
A traffic study conducted for this area in 2015 showed the need for an updated traffic light, a wider road to accommodate turning lanes and sidewalk updates for ADA compliance. In 2015 when the zone change was approved for the CVS addition to Longmeadow Shops, the Shops contributed $250,000 to the town to be used towards the cost of upgrading this intersection. Colvest also intends to cooperate with the town for upgrading this intersection and will also contribute up to $250,000 towards this project.
Gallery
The Towne Shoppes of Longmeadow Gallery below showcases the property at 916 Williams Street as it now stands, and offers artist renderings of the proposed development.
Frequently Asked Questions
We answer some of the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the Towne Shoppes of Longmeadow project and proposed zoning change. Please reach out if you have additional questions.
Where is the property?
The three-acre parcel is the former First Church of Christ, Scientist, property at 916 Williams Street, located on the corner of Williams Street and Redfern Drive, adjacent to the Longmeadow Shops.
Who is the developer?
The Colvest Group, a respected developer of office and retail spaces in western Massachusetts and Connecticut. Colvest bought the property from the church in 2015 and has since been a good neighbor, keeping the site in excellent condition with an eye toward responsible development.
What does Colvest want to do with the property?
Construct approximately 25,000–30,000 square feet of retail space in one or more single-story buildings for lease to tenants. The development would be consistent with the design and character of the Longmeadow Shops.
Have tenants been secured?
Colvest is committed to attracting high-quality, specialty retail shops, and possibly a restaurant, all of which would be suitable for the residents of Longmeadow; however, it is not possible to obtain firm commitments from tenants until the property is zoned properly for the locations of their businesses.
What is the process for development?
A zone change is only the first step. After the zoning is changed, the project will go through the Site and Design Review process under the jurisdiction of the Planning Board. Through this process, the Planning Board will approve the layout, parking, traffic handling, access, drainage, lighting, signage and the like to assure these are compliant with all state and town regulations and zoning by-laws. This process is undertaken by the developer and the Planning Board at one or more public hearings. In addition, certain town boards and departments, including police and fire departments, will review and make recommendations for the site plan and design to the Planning Board.
How does the Towne Shoppes of Longmeadow project benefit the Town of Longmeadow?
- Increased, much-needed tax revenue. The proposed retail space will generate an estimated additional $250,000–$300,000 of “new growth” tax revenues annually, including real estate taxes, personal property taxes of tenants, parking lot storm water fees and potential meal taxes. This would help to fund the town’s increasing expenses.
- Best use of the property. Colvest believes the use of this property to expand the shopping area currently adjacent to it is more beneficial to the town than uses available in a residential zone.
- Enhanced local shopping and dining options. As the success of the Longmeadow Shops has demonstrated, residents appreciate the convenience of a local retail destination in keeping with the town’s look and feel.
- Updated intersection. A traffic study conducted for this area in 2015 showed the need for an updated traffic light, a wider road to accommodate turning lanes and sidewalk updates for ADA compliance. In 2015, when the zone change was approved for the CVS addition to the Longmeadow Shops, the Shops contributed $250,000 to the town to be used towards the cost of upgrading this intersection. Colvest also intends to cooperate with the town for upgrading this intersection and will also contribute up to $250,000 towards this project.
Reach Out
We invite you to contact us using the form below to show your support for Towne Shoppes of Longmeadow, share your thoughts or ask questions.
