Discussion of Potential Sharon Commons Zoning Change Canceled

A planned Sharon Planning Board discussion tonight of a potential zoning amendment regarding Sharon Commons was canceled, Vice Chairman David Milowe said.

Milowe did not elaborate.

The board was scheduled to hear about the amendment from Tom Houston, a consultant to the town, and discuss it, during tonight's meeting at the Sharon Community Center.

Exactly one week ago, the Sharon Zoning Board of Appeals granted developer Sharon CF II LP's request to withdraw its application without prejudice.

That request came after acted after a majority of zoning board members indicated they would not support a four-lane road (two each way) requested by Target, one of two potential anchor stores. BJ's Wholesale Club is the other one at the nearly 400,000-square-foot development eyed for about 59 acres bordered by Old Post Road and Interstate 95.

The developer was before the zoning board to modify its July 13, 2011 approved site plan in three ways: changing the two-lane road to four lanes (two in each direction), rotating the Target building's orientation, and moving other buildings on the site. The road change included proposed traffic calming measures.

Target Real Estate Senior Development Manager Katie Rivard said the Easton Target was the only local Target without a four-lane road, "and quite frankly, it does not work that well for our guests."

However, ZBA Chairman John Lee said that "I think to preserve the lifestyle (center) aspect, a two-lane is more in keeping with the lifestyle pedestrian concept" envisioned for the site.