Marion produce market approved

Jul 23, 2013

Arnie Johnson has earned approval from the Planning Board to redevelop the Frigate Steakhouse property, located at 806 Mill St.

“I’m really looking forward to tearing down an eyesore and building something people can be proud if,” Johnson said.

Johnson plans to open Fieldstone Farms, a produce and ice cream stand, in May 2014.

Right now, Johnson is waiting for an appeal period to end following the Planning Board’s decision last week. After that, he may apply for a building permit and begin demolishing the old restaurant.

Originally, Johnson had planned to open the market this spring, but changed the date when the permitting process was delayed.

If no appeals are filed with the Planning Board, Johnson plans to break ground on the site in September.

During the application process neighbors expressed concerns over increased traffic and noise at the site. Johnson said he modified original plans to alleviate those concerns.

Johnson said he spent a year and a half working through the permitting process.

“I’m happy to be moving onto the next step,” he said. “It was a very fair process at the state level and local level as well. People were very helpful and constructive with their thoughts.”

Fieldstone Farms, named for the stonewalls behind the property, will sell fruits and vegetables grown locally and throughout Massachusetts.

The Planning Board set the store’s business hours to 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. for the sale of produce and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. for the ice cream window, which will operate seasonally.