DRB OKs Permits for Church
And Business Relocations

The Randolph Development Review Board approved four site plan applications at recent hearings, with three of those applications concerning relocation plans by several area businesses and one local church.

In February, the DRB approved a revised site plan will allow Sts. Donatian & Rogatian to proceed with plans to build a new church on Route 66, at Hebard Hill Road.

Fr. John Milanese said this week that a groundbreaking ceremony has been set for April 15.

Planning and fundraising for a new church was put on hold for several years, while the diocese conducted a study of pastoral needs, statewide. Last year, with the support of new Bishop Salvatore Matano, plans for a new church were revived.

Fr. Milanese said the $1.4-million building would house not only a new sanctuary, but also a chapel, a large parish hall, a modern kitchen, and a religious education space.

Ashley’s & Ken’s

At the DRB’s March 27 hearing, Tom and Lisa Jacobs received site plan approval to operate their two businesses at 12 Prince Street, part of the "Foundry Park" complex.

However, Tom Jacobs told The Herald this week that he has no immediate plans to move Ashley’s bar or Ken’s Barber Shop to a new location, since he still has a lease on the businesses’ current locations on Merchants Row.

The section of the Foundry Park complex that the Jacobs are considering moving to is owned by Jim Lumbra, owner of Village Auto & Tire.

Randolph Zoning Administrator Mardee Sanchez noted that several conditions were placed on the site plan approved for Ashley’s including one to limit noise during live music events.

Also approved was a request to convert a Hull Street warehouse into the new headquarters of Rain or Shine Tents and Events. The business, currently on Route 66 in Randolph Center, is owned by Perry and Lynn Armstrong.

Site plan approval included a condition that a fence be erected between the warehouse lot and the golf course. Sanchez noted that the fence would satisfy Montague Golf Club’s concern that activity at the business would distract golfers, and Rain or Shine’s concern that employees’ vehicles would be struck by errant golf balls.

On Feb. 27, the DRB also approved the Agency of Transportation’s site plan for a new storage building on Bettis Road, near the existing AOT buildings by Exit 4.

Vacancies Filled

Sanchez noted this week that vacancies on the DRB and Planning Commission have been filled.

New DRB member John Becker participated in his first hearing March 27, in the review of the Jacobs and Armstrong applications. Becker lives in Randolph Center.

Ed Lincoln, also of Randolph Center is the new member of the PC.

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