Regulatory delays continue to stall the opening of the Alltown store and gas station on Route 202 in Peterborough.
The former site of Mr. Mike’s, just south of Route 101, must undergo further changes to meet new Department of Transportation standards, including the installation of a left-turn lane in the existing highway.
“What we’re looking for is a way to appease all parties, Alltown, the DOT and TD Bank,” Town Administrator Rodney Bartlett said.
The DOT wants a turning lane installed for northbound traffic to turn left into the gas station and convenience store to limit the backup.
The problem is that there is not enough space to expand Route 202 to fit such a lane in between Alltown and the abutting TD Bank across the street.
At first, the town’s understanding was that the expanded road would approach TD Bank’s parking lot, but not encroach upon it.
Still, the DOT recommends more space to provide an easement so that parked cars are not damaged and spaces are not blocked during winter snow removal.
“You can see DOT’s position, they need somewhere to push the snow,” Bartlett said. “But you also understand TD Bank’s position, not wanting their cars to get damaged.”
Bartlett says the best course is to separate the two by moving the parking lot back.
He is scheduling a meeting on the site with representatives from Alltown, TD Bank and the Department of Transportation.
“Hopefully that will come to fruition shortly,” he said.
Not only does the traffic reconfiguration have to be finished before Alltown can open, but more work needs to be done to the property itself, including finished work on the sidewalks.
Brandon Latham can be reached at blatham@ledgertranscript.com