Problems partly resolved with Bartlett Walgreens relocation

In just two weeks, potential problems some residents felt would arise due to the relocation of a Bartlett Walgreens store have been partly resolved.

Residents who live behind the Brewster Creek Shopping Centre at Route 59 and Stearns Road — where the Walgreens now exists — expressed concerns at a Sept. 18 committee meeting about what type of business might move into the vacant space the store will create in the strip mall. They also shared worries about increased traffic and a lack of barrier between the strip mall and their homes.

On Tuesday, the village board unanimously approved the store’s proposal to move out of its current location and relocate a few hundred feet away in the southwest corner of the center, on a vacant lot where a gas station once stood.

More than a dozen residents from Norwood and Braintree lanes attended Tuesday’s meeting, but only one spoke before the board’s vote.

“Even though this might surprise you, there has been some very productive discussion between the residents and the shopping center,” said Braintree Lane resident Richard Lewis, noting that after the Sept. 18 meeting he met with representatives of the shopping center and later received a letter from them offering to plant and maintain about 30 trees behind the center.

“Many of the neighbors have discussed this and we really appreciate that offer,” Lewis said.

The shopping center representatives also told Lewis that residents don’t need to be too concerned about what will move into the vacant space that will be left behind because zoning restrictions will keep something like an automotive repair shop or loud bar from moving in. While residents were pleased with those responses, Lewis said there were still worries about an increasing number of cars going at dangerous speeds down their streets.

“To many of the neighbors this is the biggest issue because it certainly includes an element of safety, especially for those who have school-aged children,” he said. “If we as a village can commit to finding a resolution to the cut-through traffic, I think we are probably OK with the new Walgreens.”

To address the traffic issues, Trustee T.L. Arends suggested the village do a traffic count for vehicles coming in and out of the Brewster Creek Shopping Center, along with a count of the number of vehicles that drive along Norwood and Braintree lanes.

She also suggested putting up “local traffic only” signs on Norwood Lane where people cutting through the shopping center can see it, and on Braintree Lane at Stearns Road.

The board agreed with all her suggestions but also decided it would be best to wait to do a traffic count until construction on Stearns Road is complete. Public Works Director Paul Kuester estimated it will be done by the end of October.

Trustee Eric Shipman thanked the residents for coming to the meeting and for taking up the issue with the shopping center representatives.

“At its heart, that’s what the village and its residents are supposed to do,” he said, adding that he hopes others follow their example. “We, as the government ... need to step out of the way and let people work together as a team, and I think you demonstrated that tonight.”