2008 Woodie Awards
Starbucks envisions town presence
Tamara Hilmes
Issue date: 10/18/07 Section: Local News
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If you thought you'd never be able to push the 'easy button' or order a frappucino in Middlebury, Vt. - think again. Both the Starbucks and Staples corporations have submitted proposals to the Middlebury Planning Commission and Development Review Board for approval for each to build a new store within The Centre shopping plaza just off of Rt. 7, currently home to TJ Maxx and Hannaford.
Although neither the coffee nor the office supply giants' proposals have been approved, the possibility of two major chain stores imposing on the town's market has created quite a stir among local business owners and townsfolk alike.
On Feb. 12, the Middlebury Planning Commission and Development Review Board (DRB) was approached by representatives from Mill Bridge Construction and Myron Hunt Associates with a preliminary presentation for a Starbucks Coffee shop to be located next to McDonalds on the site of the Route 7 Car Wash. The proposed structure was in the realm of 1,700 square feet in size and included a drive-thru.
At the time, the DRB expressed concerns regarding the size of the proposed establishment as well as traffic flow issues that the project could potentially create.
"When it was first proposed in February, it was a very conceptual drawing," said Town Planner Fred Dunnington. "The lack of dimensions on the drawing concerned the board. We didn't think there would be enough space on the proposed site and we thought, 'this thing might not happen.' But they made the changes that the board advised and came back with an actual application in August. As it turns out, there is physically enough space."
Although Starbucks has been in the works since February, Staples, Inc. only recently made its proposal. Staples - the office supply store that already has locations in Rutland, St. Albans and Williston, Vt. - hopes to open a smaller-scale, 15,000 square-foot operation in Middlebury.
"The addition of the Staples application brings up issues of a shopping center," said Dunnington. "This produces real questions of conformance with the town plan."
Although neither the coffee nor the office supply giants' proposals have been approved, the possibility of two major chain stores imposing on the town's market has created quite a stir among local business owners and townsfolk alike.
On Feb. 12, the Middlebury Planning Commission and Development Review Board (DRB) was approached by representatives from Mill Bridge Construction and Myron Hunt Associates with a preliminary presentation for a Starbucks Coffee shop to be located next to McDonalds on the site of the Route 7 Car Wash. The proposed structure was in the realm of 1,700 square feet in size and included a drive-thru.
At the time, the DRB expressed concerns regarding the size of the proposed establishment as well as traffic flow issues that the project could potentially create.
"When it was first proposed in February, it was a very conceptual drawing," said Town Planner Fred Dunnington. "The lack of dimensions on the drawing concerned the board. We didn't think there would be enough space on the proposed site and we thought, 'this thing might not happen.' But they made the changes that the board advised and came back with an actual application in August. As it turns out, there is physically enough space."
Although Starbucks has been in the works since February, Staples, Inc. only recently made its proposal. Staples - the office supply store that already has locations in Rutland, St. Albans and Williston, Vt. - hopes to open a smaller-scale, 15,000 square-foot operation in Middlebury.
"The addition of the Staples application brings up issues of a shopping center," said Dunnington. "This produces real questions of conformance with the town plan."
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
Hallie
posted 10/22/07 @ 9:34 PM EST
A well-written story, but the editor might like to note that Main St. sells stationery rather than stationary.
molley
posted 10/26/07 @ 9:58 AM EST
oh hallie, is that you?
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