Residents speak out against gas station, convenience store

BELLINGHAM

Residents who oppose the Cumberland Farms store and gas station proposed for the corner of Elm and South Main streets brought their concerns to the Board of Selectmen this week.

Although the new business was approved by the Planning Board following hearings in the fall, selectmen are weighing whether to permit self-service gas pumps and a common victualer’s license.

Residents urged the board to put a stop to the development, saying it will make storm water runoff in the area worse and will disrupt their neighborhood with traffic, parking lot lights, and noise. Selectman Ronald Picard said he is concerned about whether the gas station could control and clean up a fuel spill.

Chairman Jerald Mayhew said selectmen will take neighbors’ concerns into consideration when making a decision, and held the public hearing open until the board’s next meeting on April 2.

— Alison O’Leary Murray