New CVS Moves Forward With Zoning OK From Planning Board

A proposed CVS at Church and Washington Streets in Braintree moved one step closer to reality this week when Planning Board members recommended that the approve re-zoning at the site.

The board voted unanimously on Tuesday in favor of from Residence C to General Business. Representatives for the developer, New England 2 LLC, said that use in the area is consistent with business zoning and that the new development would be more attractive for neighbors than the current South Shore Auto Lines.

"We recognize that this is an important site in Braintree," attorney Frank Marinelli said. A CVS will be a "higher and better commercial use," he added, and "more compatible" with the surrounding area.

Property owners Greg and Michael Shea plan to lease the land to RI-based CVS if the re-zoning is approved. It must first go before the Town Council for review.

Re-development would include demolition of three buildings at the former South Shore Chrysler site and two residential buildings, and the construction of a 12,900 square foot CVS with a drive-through. The 1.6-acre site would contain 23 percent open space, up from 8.1 percent currently, Marinelli said.

Some of the drive-through canopy structure would be placed on the parcel that is currently Residence C, Marinelli said, but it will mostly contain circulation, parking and landscaping.

No neighbors spoke during the hearing on Tuesday. Attorney Joseph Driscoll said that the Sheas looked at a number of options for the site before choosing CVS. They have no plans currently to re-locate South Shore Auto Lines in Braintree or elsewhere, Driscoll said.

If the zoning change and future site plan are both approved, the CVS on Independence Avenue in Quincy would close and move to the Church Street location. It will not be a 24-hour operation, Driscoll said.