The official word on the downtown development, aka Norfolk Common, is that it will include two phases. Phase I is the lower portion that is primarily visible from the street and where all of the crushed stones are laid out. It has received "site approval" from the Planning Board, which means that the developer has presented a layout of proposed streets, lot sizes, and approximate structure dimensions, and indicated that they will be 'retail space'. There have been no definitive commitments on the use of each lot, and a specific use will not be required until the developer requests "lot approvals" from the Planning Board. However, based on the general layout, it appears that Phase I will include so retail outlets, a proposed restaurant, a supermarket over in the area behind the MBTA parking, and possibly a drugstore. [Note: Rumor has it that the supermarket will be a Bread and Circus, and the drugstore a CVS - DN].
Phase II is the upper portion by the water tower and beyond, and will be an assisted-living facility. This phase is still in the site approval process with the Planning Board, although the developer has permission to remove about 10,000 square yards of earth over the next several months.
Note: The plans submitted to the Planning Board for approval are public documents, and can be reviewed upon request at the Planning Board office in Town Hall.
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5/31/2000