A large commercial development is being proposed along the Gondola Point Arterial in Quispamsis.
Propertystar has applied to rezone 42 acres of land between Monarch Drive and Hampton Road.
Mark Hatfield, president of Propertystar, presented an overview of his proposal to council on Tuesday.
“There’s several parcels that can attract big-box stores, a new hotel, bigger restaurants, to give this community more of a vibrant atmosphere,” said Hatfield.
Hatfield noted that increasing economic development is a way to attract and retain residents, especially in the 25-to-44 age group.
According to the town’s traffic study master plan, Quispamsis is seeing fewer people in the 25-to-44 age group and more people in the 65+ age group, he said.
Hatfield said his goal is to help growing businesses expand and attract new ones to the town.
“As a growing developer in Quispamsis, I find it very difficult to find any land that has any large size to it for any type of larger-scale products or services,” he said.
Phase one of the development would include an office space and retail warehouse-style business, according to town documents — potentially the central office for the Homestar group of companies.
Further phases would likely include food service and retail developments, including the potential for big-box stores.
A preliminary design submitted to the town shows space for three big-box stores and several smaller retailers.
“I have visited several residents on the street. Some of voiced concerns to me, which I’ve taken into consideration, and at the end of the day, I’m willing to work with them to make this happen.”
Hatfield said the development would also mean a greater tax base for the town and, in turn, more tax revenue.
He said a comparable shopping complex in Sussex — consisting of Gateway Mall, Walmart, McDonald’s, Tim Hortons and Cannabis NB — is assessed at $17.3 million with a tax levy of $718,000.
Council has scheduled a public hearing for March 15.
Follow
