East Longmeadow Planning Board Continues Firestone Hearing, Demands Design Revisions

EAST LONGMEADOW — June 16, 2026 — East Longmeadow Planning Board approves three permits, continues Firestone hearing to July amid traffic outcry. The board voted unanimously at its June 16 meeting to grant site plan review for a 775-square-foot detached ADU at 39 Parker Street, applicant Christopher Gallagher, and special permits for two Industrial Garden Park recreational facilities — the relocated 413 Athletic Training Center at 198-200 Benton Drive, applicant Andrew LeBelle, and a fitness studio at 80 Denslow Road, applicant Kimberly Prendergast. The Firestone Complete Auto Care application by Zaremba Group LLC for a 6,600-square-foot, eight-bay facility at 546 North Main Street drew more than a dozen speakers opposing the project on traffic, noise, and emergency-access grounds; the board continued the hearing to July 7 and ordered the developer to return with a building reorientation study, enhanced landscaping plans, a revised photometric plan showing downcast lighting, a comparison of trip-generation data for other by-right Business district uses, and research on state law governing open service bay doors. Planning and Community Development Director Rob Punderson announced his resignation effective July 2 to become planning director for the Town of Wellesley.