The Rindge Planning Board gave approval to a proposed 3,600 square-foot restaurant near the intersection of Route 119 and Route 202 during its meeting on Tuesday night.
The board concluded the hearing, which had been continued from its Aug. 4 meeting, on Tuesday, voting to approve the proposed development with conditions.
The proposal does not name a particular type or franchise of restaurant, but developer Traven Development is proposing to build a restaurant suitable for “paper service” – meaning diners would eat from disposable plates or trays, rather than a formal sit-down dining situation with tableware.
The property, though located only a stone’s throw from the Route 119/Route 202 intersection, only has frontage on Route 119. The property is about 11 acres, with the new building and parking area to support about 40 cars built close to the roadway, leaving the majority of the parcel in the back undeveloped.
The plan proposes the parking lot be placed to the side of the building, along the roadway, with the restaurant itself also set up against Route 119, and a drive-through lane.
Some residents expressed concern about future development of the parcel, but Planning Board Chair Jonah Ketola said the board could only consider the plan put before them at the moment, saying there was no way to look into the future and make judgments about what might or might not happen.
The Planning Board is scheduled to meet next on Sept. 1. The board expects to meet in person at the Rindge Recreation Building at 7 p.m., and also via Zoom for viewing only.
Ashley Saari can be reached at 924-7172 ext. 244 or asaari@ledgertranscript.com. She’s on Twitter @AshleySaariMLT.