Planning board approves Marshalls amendment at Interchange Drive; adds loading dock, requires pedestrian connection

The Concord Planning Board approved an amendment to the Interchange Drive site plan that increases the Marshalls store footprint by about 2,000 square feet, adds a second loading dock and makes exterior‑elevation upgrades while requiring the developer to restore an accessible pedestrian connection that had been removed from the revision.

Interchange Development and TF Moran presented the amendment. Developers said the added loading dock required a modest enlargement of the truck well at the south end of the building and some façade enhancements (stone columns and improved storefront treatments) to align the building appearance with adjoining retail and medical office uses. The board’s architectural‑design review comments were incorporated into final elevations.

Board members pressed the applicant to reinstate a sidewalk connection at the southeast corner of the building to provide a continuous pedestrian route between Interchange Drive and the eastern side of the development; staff noted the earlier approved plan included that connection and the amendment had omitted it. The applicant agreed to add an accessible pedestrian connection to the plan and to supply truck turning exhibits that confirm the revised truck well works with the loading arrangement. Staff clarified rooftop mechanicals must be screened in accordance with the site‑plan standards.

The board voted to approve the architectural design amendment and the site‑plan amendment subject to precedent conditions that include final screening details for rooftop equipment, final truck‑movement exhibits and a restored pedestrian connection; subsequent conditions included final recording of any easements and standard construction‑phase requirements. Board members also discussed driveway width and confirmed the site will revert to the previously approved maximum curb cut width unless the developer seeks a zoning variance for a wider opening.