What a ridiculous spot for such a business! With all the available retail space on Route 6 itself? Due to lack of news coverage in print media, this is the first we have heard of this CVS proposal.
SGS

Wow.. I had no idea this was in the works either and I live relatively close to the proposed spot. Thanks for covering this story! Not so sure I'd like to see a CVS pop up there. Kind of out of place if you ask me.

Absolutely assinine! There is a new CVS being built right down the road at the intersection of route 6 and 136 in Swansea and there is the one on Warren Avenue in East Providence which can't be more than 3 miles away. Plus putting a CVS in a residential neighborhood is a horrible idea. Who comes up with this idiocy?

I would love for a CVS to be there. It would be great to be able to go so close by if I start making breakfast in the morning and realize I'm out of eggs. So much better than having to go down Route 6 in all that mess.

It's right next to already present businesses around that intersection. I don't know why people have a problem with it, especially with gas prices going up.

What about the old restaurant property on rt 6. the one on the corner next to TG Fridays. A CVS does not belong encroaching on our neighborhoods. Even the old Brennans drug store was on Rt 6. Why not the vacant milk building. That has more land and it does not have water in the back as close as the land as the one on Anthony street. Who is getting payed off with this type of deal????

You can go to Parkers or Rochelles at Briarwood Plaza for eggs!
The old Reads Dairy and the HUGE property next door which was a driving range for awhile has MUCH MORE land. The problem with this town is they hate to use exsisting buildings or property that is laying vacant. There are families living in those two homes who would be kicked out, but let's tear them down and build a CVS. It is such a bad idea!!!

I wonder, given the comment that CVS likes corners... do they have an eye on the Allen Kapstein property? I can't imagine that the space they currently want is even big enough.

CVS likes "rooftops" and locations on the corner of "Main and Main".

And given that both Target and Walmart have expanded into groceries, CVS might offer a great alternative to those who want to pick up necessities and convenience items quickly.

@ j saxon.... a hooters is going in the old restaurant property you mentioned btw

This story is exactly the reason I am running for planning board. Residents who may be impacted did not hear about this plan until the board has already approved it. Businesses belong on Rt 6 and 44, not encroaching on our neighborhoods. If CVS builds on Anthony St., what is next, more commercial property up Anthony St? Maybe a Walgreens on already congested County St.? We have plenty of empty buildings and lots on Rt 6 already. Let's encourage business to refurbish these empty lots before giving the green light to move closer to our neighborhoods.

I would like to know Russ what you can do for us off of Colfall Street. We have been ill-informed, mis-informed and kept out of the loop with the development going in behind our homes. We are COMPLETELY NAKED behind our homes. My privacy is gone gone gone. Most people on the street only got it on one side but my house got the worst. I also know for a fact that the planning board dropped the ball on this and so did the conservation committee. If you look at the plans all it says is a buffer is needed...not how much or what kind. so we could end up with grass and a couple shubs....Want my vote and everyone around my house......fix this mess.

I don't live far from there and I was absolutely blown away when I saw the disaster that has been created over off Cole St. I can't belive the town allowed that to happen. The continual stripping of our wooded areas and open spaces to build neighboorhoods MUST BE STOPPED!

As I know the importance of development, I also know it does come at a price. It hurts my eyes and my heart. I moved here from Florida 5 years ago. I have one of the oldest homes in Seekonk. The lands that surrounded this house went on for miles back in the day and now it is reduced to a 1/2 acre. Now with no coverage my house has lost its quaintness, its value and its privacy. My neighbor said when she had her home appraised after the devistation its value went down almost 10,000 on the view alone. then with the economy it is down another 20,000. So as of now I could not sell if I wanted to. atleast not and make enough to get a new home. I moved here because it is a small quiet farm town. Shouldve checked on the politics of it all. Thanks

The town should not allow anymore trees to be cut down until we use the space already developed and left empty. They should tell CVS they can go into the space of Ultimate Electronics. I don’t want CVS Traffic coming out onto Anthony … the traffic on the street is already crazy and very noisy.

That quote by Mr Hansen can't be correct. Did Mr Hansen really say "it only takes 33 people to show up and say 'no' at town meeting"? I hope that wasn't what this town official said.

Deb, I am still for development and I have talked with Tapalian. I still have nothing against him. Its the town and their lack of due diligence. They did not inform the neigborhood that there was a scheduled meeting for PlanB. "they felt we did not need to be informed of this because we went to the first one." (town secretary). Then after said meeting, the conservation department reviewed the plans and decided they wanted the developer to put more drainage near our homes and to Y into the water on our street. This was not needed as his plans were approved for what was needed. As thoughtfull as they thought they were being they forgot to put in writing what size buffer was needed and what kind of buffer needed to be put in. MY ISSUE IS THE TOWN PERIOD. They did not have "their townspeoples best interests at heart" I would have went to the meeting if I was so informed of it. I will not ruffle Tipalians feathers want to know why......because this town is changing the plans, causing issues and delays (all of this is BIG MONEY) with this developer if he goes broke, where does that leave me. I have no issues with him. I spoke to him in length the day all of this was taking out and he promised to put it back. I want the town to work with Tapalian in a nice, calm fashion to get something in writing on what we need to protect our privacy. Not to much to ask when I pay them over 10,000 a year in taxes, fees and other crap. I have no issues making my voice heard.....trust me.

oh ps, the by laws state....9.6.8.1
All dwellings and structures shall be located a minimum of twenty-five (25)
feet from adjacent properties, and fifty (50) feet from adjacent surface
waters or wetlands. Buffer areas shall be retained in their natural vegetative
state to the maximum extent feasible, except where adjacent to
agriculturally used property.
With this it states shall be retained to the maximum extent feasible....The developer did not want to take down free vegitation. Why would he take down and replace what was already there....Thats more money folks out of this mans pocket. People can say whatever they want about Tapalian, but I think he is the wrong target. I would like to know if I got an attorney who could look at the plans would be able to prove that all that extra was not needed. I am going to the next meeting at the planning board with my neighbors in hopes to fix this catostrophic mess that has happend. I am not out for blood, I am out for my privacy back. People can see in my back yard, with all the robberies going on lately. I need a resolve and I need it fast and if anyone else around the Seekonk area want to come to the next planning board meeting to show their support...........I would love that! It would only prove that the lack of communication with the townspeople will not be tolerated. PS I love this town, I just want to live in it and enjoy!

Tina: I've lived in Seekonk my whole life to & I want to continue to live in it and enjoy! I get busy with my kids ... please keep us posted of Town Meetings and what we can do. Thanks.

Thanks Mary, I will let you know this week as to time and date and post reminder that day for all who want come.

Tina: I don't know what the legal requirements are regarding notification of abutters. But there are pretty strict open meeting laws here in Massachusetts. Were those violated?

As for the conservation committee and the issue of drainage, last year the entire region was blindsided by flooding of epic proportions. Could this have had something to do with the drainage concerns?

Last question. Since the resident taxpayers are ultimately responsible for who serves in town government, should they be held accountable and pay to fix this mess? Or should the developer? I agree with you. It needs to be fixed. Someone needs to pay. Who should be held harmless? The taxpayer or the developer? Or should we share the cost?

I dont feel we should share the cost at all. I think what needs to be done is a plan of action that involves quick response into putting the drainage in and replacing what was taken out, putting in the veggitation and monies put to the side if it cannot be accomplished quickly. I really would hope it will but I understand developement. My thought behind the quickness is to ensure that it will grow some before the condos go up. Some privacy is better than none. I look forward to working out a plan

I want to thank Russ Horsman for stopping by and talking with me today. It was good to see someone wanting to work with community, and wanting their input on how to make it work. He has the same work ethic that I do and stand true to. Work hard, develope your connections, find a resolve instead of strong holding what needs to happen to work for the community and also work with the growth as well. He does have my vote...........he is of sound mind and does believe that there are ways to work with developers and the community both to make thing happen and make people happy. He has promised if elected he will talk with planning board on a round table discussion with Tipalian on a resolve even to just have that is exciting and he said if he does not get in he will stand by the neigborhood no matter what, because he understands that what we are asking for is not to far out and that some right needs to come out of this wrong....VOT E RUSSELL HORSMAN. I think it will be the first step in change for the good, while still keeping our small town feel. No strong holding and no settling for just anything. Thanks again for spending two hours of your sunday with me Russell. It was a pleasure.

Dont forget to vote today starting @ noon at Seekonk High School. Change is good even if its just a little. It takes a village according to Mrs. Clinton. We are the village. Russell Horsman...........Planning board.

CVS wanted to do the same thing in the north end at Bakers Corner and Pine Street. CVS wants to be off the main road a little because they know people avoid the high traffic areas by cutting threw our neighborhoods. A lot of trucks make deliveries to CVS all day and night long with their back up alarms going beep, beep, beep all summer long while your windows are open. Then you get the trash blowing around and scum hanging out waiting for the vicoden/oxy doctor to get in. I would fight CVS all the way on this if I lived in the south end.

This CVS would be located on Fall River Ave & Anthony Street. I'm sure the CVS would be situated more on Fall River Ave. This property was previously approved for another donut shop-i.e Dunkin or Tim Horton's. A CVS would be a much better use of the property. This CVS would service additional neighborhoods and transits in this area vs the market down the street in Swansea. I would welcome this development.

There is a business on that corner now. I haven't seen anything yet about that business leaving or the building being sold, only the homes behind it on Anthony.
I also continue to think it's assinine for a CVS to be put there. There are 3 CVS less than 3 miles from that location.
Using the address of the Rockland Bank I found that the CVS, at 444 Willet Ave in Riverside is 2.98 miles from that location. The CVS On Warren Ave in East Providence is 2.67 miles. I did the mileage for the new CVS being built at the intersection of Route 6 and 136 in Swansea and that is 2.9 miles. Why another CVS is needed when there are 3 others so close by, and Target less than 1/2 mile away that offeres both pharmacy and anything else you could possibly need is just mind boggling.
Honestly do we need another CVS or any other kind of store right there? IS route 6 not busy enough?
I just don't get it.

Cathy, How long have you lived in this town? We do not need a CVS at this location. It sook us about 15 years to get a red light on that corner and now you want to intrude more on our neighborhoods? Put a motor on your bike!

I have lived here long enough to know I would rather have a CVS on this corner vs another Dunkin Donuts!

neither is needed!

This development requires a zoning change, and that change has to be approved at the town meeting by the citizens in attendance. In order to stop any commercial development of these two residential lots, a majority of the voters has to vote down the zoning change. This is democracy at its most base level: If enough people really want to stop this, they need to show up and vote at the town meeting.

Mr Horseman: Since you are intimately involved with town government, can you please clarify how those who are opposed to any zoning change can make there voice heard at town meeting? According to this article's very last paragragh, Mr Hansen said that it only takes "33 people to show up and say no".

The two lots that CVS is proposed to build on are currently classified as "Residential". CVS needs the zoning to be changed to "Commercial" for the project to move forward. Only a town meeting can change the zoning for a piece of land. So, to get the change, it has to pass town meeting with 50% + 1 vote. So, if 300 people come to town meeting (they are usually poorly attended), 151 or more votes for making the land "Commercial" allows CVS to build. 151 or more votes against making the land "Commercial" kills the project and leave the plots "Residential." Mr. Hansen's "33 people" comment was in reference to the fact that town meetings are very poorly attended by residents, and therefore a tiny percentage of the towns actual population can make decisions that effect the entire town.

Russ: According to the article, it takes a two-thirds vote for a zoning change. It's been a long time, but I think that is correct.

I also think it is correct. I made an error. Sorry.

5/31/11: This is what I was told today by a DF Pray representative. The site has ALREADY been approved for a small fast food donut/coffee establishment such as Dunkin Donuts or Tim Hortons. They are trying to put a CVS there instead. I mention my concern of noisy deliveries at night and the parking lot coming off onto Anthony and the traffic increasing (as I'm saying this the cars are zooming by like the Seekonk Speedway) and the fact that my house will be worth less. I asked why they can't build where Ultimate Electronis is and I got no response. I was just reminded that there is already a business on the corner ... which I reminded him that a hairdresser doesn't compare to a CVS and my kids friend lives in a house which will also be taken by CVS. He said they are having a neighborhood meeting at DF Pray on Tues. June 7th at 6:00pm or they will meet with you individually.

I understand your concerns . Mary. But are you aware that a Super Walmart is coming to a neighborhood near you?

DF Pray will make out on this 6 ways to sunday. They own the land and will build the CVS.
I hope to God people attend the town meeting and stop this from going through.

JLR: If the neighborhood shows up, I will vote with the neigborhood. If they do not, I don't care.

Deb: I got something certified today .. had Walmarts name on it .. haven't read it yet. So what's the plan there? Add on ?

I drive by the possible CVS corner every day ... it looks so pretty this time of year.. sad they want to put a big eye sore on the corner (bad enough you have to look at tires on a corner that could have been a pretty area to enjoy a bagel).

I can see the Anthony St. Traffic light from my house ... so CVS will pretty much make my house worth nothing, if I ever want to sell .. and depending on traffic increase I will want to.

I will be at the town meeting.

Mary: It has been rumored for a few years that Walmart wanted to move to where the driving range/ pops ice cream was/is. For old timers, that is the former spot occupied by Read's Dairy. I don't know what side of the street you are on. But I would guess this would be visible and pracitically on top of the folks living on that side street. (Begins with an 'M'). It is just a rumor. But it is believable and credible.

I wondered why CVS wouldn't just take over Pops instead of having a parking lot coming out of Anthony. I'm on the same side as DF Pray. It would be terrible for all the houses on that side of the street. When they had the driving range operating .. the lights shined in on some of the house as far down as Mabel St.

Ok .. I grabbed my paperwork: Name of Applicant: Walmart Real Estate Business Trust. Address of lot where the activity is proposed: 1300 Fall River Avenue (that's Fantasyland). Seeking permission to remove, fill, dredge or alter area under wetlands protection law.

Mabel. That's it. I remember watching the meetings with the residents begging for relief from those nuisance lights.

I looked up Kapsteins number. It's 1388.

I live across from the Martin School. In the 20+ years that I have been here I have had and seen many pets and animals killed by speeding cars on Anthony St.. It's only a matter of time before pedestrians start to take the fall. I ALWAYS use the crosswalk at Cole and Anthony and it is a rarity that anyone stops for you. I have seen kids on bikes in the crosswalk narrowly get by. I have almost been hit NUMEROUS times while I was IN the crosswalk. This is a busy area due to the athletic fields and basketball courts. It is also a MAJOR cut through area for commuters trying to avoid Rt. 6. Half the plates that go by my house are RI.
They have now increased the traffic volume by building more houses on Anthony St. To add even more traffic with a CVS or Super WalMart is total lunacy. If they are not going to look at stopping the ridiculous flow of traffic in the area then they should look at moving the Martin School. No one in planning seems to take into account the impact of traffic in relation to the presence of an elementary school. Residents should charge admission to the street on days the Speedway is open because when they let out all the NASCAR wanna bes come screaming down the street.

The CVS can be stopped by town meeting later this month. A mega Walmart may be a different story. I am assuming the land they plan on using is already appropriately zoned for business. Maybe Mary can give us more information about the certified letter she received. Is it notice of a conservation committee meeting? If it is, the residents need to mobilize and state an environmental case against the proposal. This may require recruiting experts to argue that position.

I am anxiously awaiting the Town Meeting. I'm concerned about a statement in this article in which Town Planner Hansen is quoted as saying that it will only take 33 people to stop the CVS. I may be wrong but I think that it is supposed to be 33% of the people at Town Meeting to oppose it. That is 2/3 of the quorum must approve the rezoning. By stating 33 people I am afraid too many people will just stay home assuming it will not be a problem for 33 people to show up in opposition.
When Aubin was getting Planning board approval for his current project on Anthony St. I was at the meeting when the question was raised to the planning board as to whether the land had been remediated as it is a Ferderally designated Superfund site for hazardous waste. The board members all sat there and looked at one another in total puzzlement. They asked the legal rep for the developer that was there and he said that he thought so but would check. He made a call and told the board that it was all set. End of story. Now this same board is giving a go ahead for these other developments which are as close to a wetland as is possible. Does anyone at Town Hall care about the residents, our standard of living and our environment any more? Do they even know what they are doing? As long as I have lived in this town it has always been a situation where the Great Flood comes and they are closing the barn door after all the anumals are outside.

Perhaps the town should look into traffic calming measures on Anthony Street.

Claire: Two months ago I mentioned the misinformation regarding the "33 people" quote. I was hoping the author or the editor would clear this up. It is disturbing to think that our town planner is that clueless. Maybe he was misquoted.

My certified letter: Address is Fantasyland ... I'm not sure what Walmart is doing / or planning to do with it. I looked over today ... I'm not sure what part of Fantasyland is wetland protected.

As far as CVS goes ... I'm more concerned with the parking lot coming out onto Anthony ... and late night deliveries (I heard we will hear trucks (beeping alarm) at night. I also don't see why we need another CVS between the one on 136 & the one on Warren Ave. They are going to put up so many CVS stores & it will cause them financial problems .. then they will close & we will be stuck w/ an empty building growing weeds.

F & M scared CVS out of town years ago .. now they want to come back.

The traffic is soooo bad from that corner to Walmart / Target on the weekend ... I don't go that way. I just can't imagine the parking lot coming out onto Anthony .. trying to make a left turn ... it's going to backed up .. and DF Pray & the Bank is going to have a lot of traffic issues.

Update: I posted 11 pics ... please take a look. I wonder if taxpayers even have a vote ... DF Pray clearly marked where they will be digging. Interesting .. since the meeting isn't until June 20th. There are many questions to answer. Will CVS be open 24 hrs & will the CVS signs be on all night? Will deliveries be made after 9 pm while people are sleeping (w/ truck beeping backup alarms)? Do they have a plan for weekend traffic (that area is already crazy)? I wonder myself how many lights I will have to sit through (since that is my access to the highway & to Rt 6). And lets not forget about the wetlands and stream running behind the business & 2 houses they are going to tear down. While we have empty building up & down Rt 6. But again .. will be really have a choice. Please look at my pics and show up at the meeting to vote NO.

DF Pray Meeting: The corner has already been approved for a small business & we were warned it could be another coffee drive thru (D.Donuts, etc). They want us to vote yes to approve the 3 lots around the corner (includes 2 homes) to be commercial. CVS has an “interest” but it’s not definite. My concern is-If we vote Yes & CVS says No .. then what will end up there. It’s open for anything at that point. DF Pray said they could stipulate that it would be use for Pharmacy only- but keyword is “could” - but would they. And even at that .. why do we need another Pharmacy (Sams, Walmart, Target, Stop N Shop, Rite Aid, & CVS (E.P.)). Having said that: CVS on 136 is 33’, Seekonk would be 25’ (of course it’s on a hill already). After saying yes to the commercial approval .. we would then have to later vote & approve size of the signs, lights, etc. I was told it would not be open 24 hrs & no deliveries would be made at night. Driving East on Rt 6 you would be able to take a left turn into CVS (nightmare in my opinion). There will be an in & out of CVS from Anthony St. & from Rt 6. They added that they will build around the wetlands & make it better.

Note: DF Pray's plans look good & promising ... but I still feel traffic is going to be a problem ... and what happens IF after we say Yes ... CVS says No .. there is no going back. It's approved commercial & out of our hands.

Town Meeting to vote on it is June 20th.

Comments? Feelings?

You are on the money, Mary. People need to understand how things REALLY work. Our only assignment as voters is the up or down on the rezone. After that, it is out of our hands. All variances and permits will go through the appropriate boards. CVS may have strong arguments for night deliveries and 24 hr service. I don't know if they have to get permission to renege on any promises. Businesses only look to the bottom line.

And once it is rezoned, it may not be a CVS. It could be a gas station, a restaurant, a massage parlor or a lingerie shop that parks a box truck with a picture of a scantily clad sex goddess plastered on it's side.

Some clarification: When the vote is taken at the town meeting to change the zoning, the citizens can place caveats on the change such as the commercial lot can only hold a pharmacy type store. So, if CVS backed out, it would be zoned for a specific purpose and it could not be used for any purpose not approved at town meeting. This would be in the laws and not up to the interpretation of the property owner. As for deliveries at odd hours or 24 hour operations (which currently is not proposed) these details will be dealt with at the planning board during site plan review. Any requirements placed on the project at the planning board are enforceable through the town building department.

This whole thing makes me ill. I hope to God people will get fired up, go to the town meeting and stop this from going through.

Russ: The truth is the only way for the neighborhoood to assure that their quality of life is not negatively affected is to go to town meeting, excercise their right to vote and convince others to do the same. This is a huge uphill battle for them. I am going to guess that every member of every board will support the rezone. This is quite a few people. They are charged with looking at the town as a whole. They do not give a hoot about who will be displaced or what will be built. They see dollar signs. That's it. Same thing for those living in the center of town.

Then there is the issue of timing and how summer heat will affect town meeting attendance.

And, Russ, what would be considered a "pharmacy type store". Can you point to a bylaw or state law that explains how one can restrict a piece of land to a specific "type" of business? I can think of a mixed use zone or an adult entertainment zone. I remember when Cumberand Farms was Sunnybrook. There were no gas pumps. I don't recall a town meeting that allowed for the change. That doesn't mean one did not occur. I just don't recall one.

Deb, I live on Winthrop St, so I am an affected neighbor. I was able to walk five minutes to DF Pray last night for the meeting. I have posted to the Patch why, as a neighbor, I am in support of this project. As for limiting the zoning of the parcel, that can be done by the assembled voters at the town meeting. After the issue leaves the town meeting, the final plans will go before the various boards but will have to adhere to the rules issued at town meeting.

Yes, Russ. You are an affected neighbor. But you are first and formost a planning board member. You would be shirking your primary responsibility to the town if you did not support this project. Others in the neighborhood may support the project. But they should not be fooled into believing this lot can only be used for a CVS or any pharmacy, for that matter. I hope the moderator can keep town meeting focused on what we are charged to do. Otherwise, we could l be their all night.

BTW, there is a similar location perfectly suited for a CVS. Last I checked, the old Showcase is still for sale. Or is the land restricted to "theatre type businesses"

I wonder if CVS will be interested if they know Super Wal-Mart will be right next to them.
Either way “something” will go in that corner. We have to choose what we feel is the lesser of 2 evils. Let a business take over 1 lot (already zoned) or take over 4 lots.

It won’t just effect people living on/off Anthony. If that intersection becomes a traffic problem .. I will use Olney St., Cole St. & County St. I’m sure other will to. I rarely use the Cumberland Farms on Rt 6 .. I always drive to Rochelles (longer dist.) due to the traffic in that area.

No one thought to ask DF Pray how long the project will take & where will they park the construction vehicles. Will we even have access to that intersection, during the project? Russ, maybe you could give them a call.

Russ: I'm just curious as to why you want that corner further developed. As Mary M. notes, it is already a nightmare. As to using the Cole/ Fall River Ave. intersection near the old Showcase: Do people remember the quote by the Seekonk police building committee as to using the fireplace site for a station? "That intersection is too busy for a police station. It would be difficult for cruisers to get in/out." Well the heck with the rest of us residents who live in the area and have that intersection or Anthony/Fall River as options. I used to have a job in Warwick as a recovery room nurse. When the OR called me in I had 1/2 hour to get to the hospital and warm up the monitoring equipment. After about 2 years as the traffic in my area became so bad that I could not get out of Seekonk in enough time to get to the hospital I had to give up the job. I thought that the last census of esidents came out in favor of maintaining a more rural environ. I guess our opinions mean squat. Are we becoming the next North Providence?

I urge all residents concerned about this matter to attend Town Meeting on Monday June 20th. I have concerns about the CVS and the Super Wal-Mart. The main thing I am concerned with is traffic. I believe we need to require both developers for each project to pay for an independent traffic feasibility study. If I do not see that done and presented to the voters, I will definitely vote NO at Town Meeting.

It will also be instructive to start looking at other properties in the Route 6 corridor and review their current Zoning classifications. Then we can get a total picture of what the possibilities are going into the future. Maybe that process can be added to our town’s Master Plan.

I agree that the problem is with the Town, not the developers. We went a long while without a Town Planner, and I believe Mr. Hanson is doing a good job. But there are many issues, mistakes, and problems that have piled-up over the years to deal with. The best we can do as concerned citizens is helping him in this process. Please keep up the informative and productive posts, and please back that up with an engaged attendance to our Town Meetings!

First, I believe Mary M is right. "Something" will be going there. This is our chance to help to choose. I have reviewed the plan, and in my opinion (posted in the Patch blog section) this CVS is a good plan. My personal beliefs are that it will be the least intrusive to the neighborhood, and the wetlands will be protected. As Mary M has asked, I will contact DF Pray and see what the schedule and construction parking plan will be. I will report back here when I receive an answer. As for the traffic, I understand that the State Transportation Department will require a traffic study for any project impacting Route 6 (both the CVS and the potential Walmart). So, as a private citizen, I approve of the plan for CVS. I believe that a strong commercial tax base on Route 6 will only serve to help keep the rest of the town a wonderful place to live.

There is no guarantee it will be CVS & as far as the wetlands .. who's to say they will protect them forever, they could fill them in years later. If we approve the properties to be zoned commercial, they can do anything they want in the next 5 or 10 yrs from now - am I right?

Can you clarify, Russ? My understanding is that if we vote NO on the rezone, the homes must remain residential property. If we vote yes, the property becomes zoned for business. Am I correct?

Deb, you are correct. If two-thirds of the vote is not reached to change the zoning at town meeting, the plots will remained zoned residential. The corner will still be commercial, and as such, any commercial use can be put there. The ability to put caveats on the zoning will only happen as an amendment to the motion to change the zoning at town meeting.
Mary, for the wetlands, I believe that the conservation law is even above the town level. If those laws are broken by changing or filling in the wetland, then the State will impose sanctions. I will need to check this information though. Either way, there are repercussions for harming a wetland.

You are so right Robert P. When I moved to Seekonk the big commercial industries on Rt 6 in Seekonk were Ann&Hope, the Bay State and Seekonk Twin Drive-ins. I have watched as the town has "expanded its tax base" with enormous development of Rt. 6. Instead of an improved quality of life I am receiving less services from the Town for my taxes and a DEFINITE DECREASE in the quality of life in Seekonk. There are so many unoccupied buildings on Rt. 6 now that the tax base is actually decreasing as these rental buildings without tenents are taxed at a reduced rate. The only one benefiting from Rt. 6 is the State.
Since the plaza where Target is was developed I have experienced hookers bringing their Johns into the neighborhood to conduct business behind my house, thieves from the stores being chased by police through the neighborhood, watched drug deals go down in the school parking lot and it goes on and on. Thanks for the improved quality of life planners.

Allen Kapstein is already zoned business (1 lot) - Vote No and it stays that way. Threat: Kapstein may stay but if they close - Scott Pray will build whatever he wants on that hill. Say yes .. and 1 lot to the left of Kapstein & 2 homes on Anthony become zoned for business.

I thought Wal-mart & Sam's were owned by the same.

I have NOTHING again CVS ... I DO have a problem with saying yes to change 2 properties from residential to business when there is NO NEED. There are SO many empty building's that could be used. Force all these companies to occupy those empty buildings first before building new ones. Drive down Rt 6 towards Swansea and count the buildings that are for sale / lease. Sad

Don't let them fool you by saying it will bring in new jobs (not guaranteed to be a CVS) - it will also take away business & possible jobs from the neighborhood competing companies.

People have to show up for the meeting (and make sure you are a registered voter).

My husband & I are both voting NO.

Russ: In the present configuration, the commercial lot that is currently Kapsteins is constrained by a myriad of zoning bylaws. For instance, parking space is limited. There are height restrictions. So technically, it is not an appropriate location for the vast majority of businesses. The zoning change will make all the difference for the developer.

You said you originally did not support this project. I originally DID support this project. I have changed my mind because I do think the traffic, danger and quality of life are real issues to the neighborhoods. The location is so close to a school zone. It is already a cut through for many residents and non-residents. I went through there last weekend during Martin's spring fling. I have driven down Cole and have been surprised by the number of children and families spending the day at the ball fields with the cars parked on the sidewalk and the side roads. Anything we can do to offer those folks some relief, we should do.

Just a little history: I use to work for a local bank that was located where Starbucks currently is. CVS used to be located in the same plaza, if my memory serves me correct, it was located some where near Home goods. This of course is dating back to the early 1990's. Why did CVS leave Seekonk back then and now years later, they want to return?

CVS got scared away by F&M Drug. They ran away without even giving F&M a chance to fail. F&M was later sued (I think by Procter & Gamble) - they closed and we were left with nothing!

Note: They may not want to return - it's an "interest" only at this point.

Tonight me & my husband were stopped on Rt 6 (going East) waiting for the light change so we could take a left turn onto Anthony. We were parked & waiting at the spot where customers (if a CVS) will be able to make a left turn. My husband looked at me in shock when I told him & said "WHAT .. they are going to be able to stop HERE and hold up traffic, until they can cut across! So in other words .... I'm NEVER going to make it home!" Yup .. that's the plan.

I was also told by DF Pray that IF CVS thinks that area is a traffic problem .... they WON'T build there. That tells me they are going to take one look it and say forget it (but it will already be zoned for business .. to late to change the vote) ... & something else will be built.

I vote NO! We have to stop and think of our neighborhoods that have made our town the town it is. Neighborhoods and farm land has made up this town NOT big box stores and BIG businesses. The more & more business we let in this town it seems the less and less we are getting for in town services, via police, fire & schools. Have we not closed one school due to money, we have eliminated courses in both the MS &HS, we have huge class sizes in the Elementary schools. This is just not the same school system that it was many years ago. I am so glad I am not a parent of a young student in the system. I do however feel very badly about many of you that have younger ones. Please pardon me, for I am not sure of the particulars with our fire and police dept, but I am aware that has has been many, many limits that has been imposed on them as well. I think we have to take a step back and look at the "BIG" picture and think of the town as a whole and what makes up our town...

If we let them change the zoning on these two houses, when is enough, enough?? Look at the begining of Cole Street and what a mess that is, now they are going build up the other end entering into our neighborhoods?!?!? What has the building projects on the begining of Cole Street done to the property values to the houses over there?!?!? I am thinking the first house on the left didn't think they were going to be sitting in their front yard looking at a drive thru for DD's?!?! Who thought that through??? I am sure if it was the property owner, members of either planning or zoning boards houses they wouldn't be happy! So if any of you think it is a "good" idea just drive down to Cole Street or even knock the door of the people that live there ask them how they feel....I also feel if you let this happen, Cole St. & Anthony St are going to be like RTE 6. They even drive faster on these two streets with a school being there then they do on RTE6!!! This is just wrong!! I say keep our neighborhoods our neighborhoods that have made our town the town it is!

Follow Up: Voters Shoot Down Zoning Change for Anthony St.

http://seekonk.patch.com/articles/voters-shoot-down-proposed-anthony-street-zoning-change