RK Centers is planning to build a standalone Chipotle on what is now the lawn in the Northwest corner of the Shaw's Plaza (aka Medfield Shops) at 230 Main Street in Medfield. There will be several negative impacts for our community and this project should be stopped. 

The traffic impact alone is significant enough to shut this proposed project down. Chipotle contends their busiest time of day is between 4pm-6pm. This is also the height of westbound traffic on RT109. The traffic that time a day already backs up to Hatters Hill Road and with the addition of Chipotle patrons and delivery services like Door Dash, Grub Hub and Uber Eats that will significantly increase congestion and exacerbate an already difficult traffic pattern. Many neighbors who use Hatters Hill as an entry point onto RT109 already find it challenging to navigate taking a right, let alone a left with east and westbound traffic.  Additionally, contending with shoppers entering and exiting the Medfield Shops and those who pay no attention and illegally enter the Do Not Enter driveway into the Old Medfield Square. We think that there should be consideration of closing this driveway completely between Shaw's Plaza and Old Medfield Square shops because drivers will use this shortcut to circumvent going back to the traffic light in Shaw's Plaza.

If this project moves forward, RK Centers and Chipotle should make every effort to build a structure that fits in more with the character of this town. The renderings that Chipotle has provided depicts a dark brown building, 2,325 +/- sf structure with a metal roof and large Chipotle signs on the front and side that would look very out of place at this location. Recently, Shaw's had a large renovation to make the outside of the building more visually and aesthetically appealing. It appears that they made a effort to conform with the traditional architecture including taupe tones and clapboard siding consistent with other retail structures in town like Cumberland Farms or Starbucks. To mitigate the visual impact of this building, they should consider planting 12 foot evergreens and include some fencing. 

Another impact for Medfield residents, specifically in the neighborhoods of Hatters Hill, Cheney Pond and Vine Brook Road will be the hours of operation. The plan is for them to be open until 10pm, 7 days a week with supply deliveries between 1am-4am that last about an hour. Similar quick serve restaurants in Medfield close at least by 9pm but Italian Groceria and Brother's Marketplace both close at 8pm. Most are also closed on Sundays. The hours of operation need to be taken into consideration as this will likely become a gathering spot for teens and young adults.

Please considering signing this petition to help prevent the building of Chipotle at this site or to substantially mitigate the impact that this structure will have on traffic patterns, aesthetics and excessive business hours.