Orange Zoning Board Denies Proposed Travel Center On Marsh Hill Rd.

ORANGE, CT — The Town Planning and Zoning Commission denied an application for a travel center and electric vehicle showroom at 88 Marsh Hill Road over concerns that it would increase traffic on an already busy street.

The plan, which was submitted by Solli Engineering, called for an 8,400 square foot community travel center and drive-thru facility, in addition to a 23,000 square foot electric vehicle showroom. A convenience store, coffee shop, ice cream shop, gas pumps and electric vehicle chargers were included in the plan.

A peer review traffic study conducted by WSP USA found that the proposal would increase traffic volume by 5,000 vehicles per day. Marsh Hill Road already has 16,000 to 20,000 daily vehicle trips. The Orange Traffic Authority denied the proposal at its Jan. 9 meeting.

The traffic authority’s denial isn’t binding on the TPZC, but commissioners nonetheless had concerns about the traffic increase.

“Our traffic authority has looked at the situation and has determined that... adding another 5,000 cars would create a hazardous situation in and around that area,” Commissioner Paul Kaplan said.

Commissioners generally voiced support for a similar proposal in the area, but were concerned that the large convenience store and other amenities would increase traffic to a dangerous level.