Several concerns are being raised by residents along Miller Avenue in Selkirk over a proposed 24-hour Cumberland Farms convenience store along Route 9W and Maple Avenue.
The project, which is also expected to include a Dunkin’ Donuts drive-through and six fueling stations, is being opposed by nearby homeowners who told Bethlehem town planning board members at a public hearing Tuesday, Aug. 7, they do not want a 24-hour operation in their neighborhood.
I wasn’t aware it’s a 24-hour operation, said Al Foster. `It’s absurd.`
James Neenan said several children in the neighborhood play outdoors in one of the areas proposed for vehicular access.
`What happened to the 9W corridor study where they don’t want to build these things all the way down to Selkirk,` said Neenan. `I’m not happy with it.`
More Miller Avenue neighbors expressed frustration over the proposed Cumberland Farms store, questioning how property values will be affected.
`There are major problems with the driveway, lights, noise, tractor trailer headlights and smell of gas,` said Brian McDermott.
The need for three access points for traffic to the site along Maple Avenue, 9W, and Miller Avenue was another concern brought out by neighbors.
`It is hazardous to get out on 9W from Miller Avenue in the wintertime,` said James Sutton.
The planning board is expected to review comments before developers come back to the board next month.
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