For many years the land on the intersection of Pleasant and Hampden Streets has remained a vacant lot. Recently a local company has planned to buy the site from a city development organization and build a $2 million gas station-convenience store. It is planned to open next year and employ up to 14 people, officials said Oct. 9.

The intersection of Pleasant and Hampden Streets has always been a busy intersection and many residents are concerned that this new project will make the intersection very chaotic. A working professional in the general vicinity of the intersection told The Herald that “the addition of a convenience store and gas station on the corner of Pleasant and Hampden Streets will create more commotion for commuters in an already chaotic intersection. In addition, it will take revenue away from the already existing variety stores in the close perimeter of the intersection.” In less than a quarter of a mile there are already two gas stations and three convenience/grocery stores.

Mr. Shane Sexton lives a block away from this proposed gas station and convenience store, and he says he thinks it will be nice to see the land being used finally. Sexton feels that it will give the intersection a better look and is looking forward to many of Cumberland Farms fairly priced fast foods such as pizza, chicken tenders, mozzarella sticks, and mac n’ cheese bites.

Matthew L. Donahue, a lawyer from Holyoke and one of three managers of Quabbin ACM, a limited liability company said, “I think it’s a very positive project for the city of Holyoke. I think it’s really positive for the neighborhood.”

“The Holyoke Economic Development and Industrial Corporation on Sep. 18 agreed to sell the 1.1 acre lot to Quabbin ACM for $225,000” said Marcos A. Marrero director of the city Department of Planning and Economic Development.”

“Before construction can begin on the project Quabbin, ACM must request a zone change for the property from the City Council. The site’s current zoning designation, business limited, prohibits a gas station,” says Marrero. In order for the plan to go through, the company would need a zone change to a designation that permits such a use like business general or business highway.

The lot used to be owned by Eric Suher who failed to develop the property for nearly eight years.  For more information on this project visit: http://www.holyokeredevelopment.com/hampden-pleasant-st.