Cumby's to reopen old gas station in Marion

Apr 16, 2014

The number of gas stations in town should double on May 1 as Cumberland Farms plans to reopen a store across the street from its 406 Wareham Road location.

Parking problems, long wait times and snarled traffic have plagued the new store in the summer months since it opened in 2012.

Planning Board members have repeatedly asked Cumberland Farms officials for solutions, including opening the old store.

“This is good,” Selectman Jon Henry said at the board’s Tuesday meeting. “This is real good.”

While discussing a request from Cumberland Farms for a license to sell food at the old store the Selectmen said the company planned to open the store and gas pumps seasonally.

“Thank you. That is a nightmare right now,” Selectman Stephen Cushing said, referring to traffic at the new site.

The reopened store will offer a barebones selection, according to Town Administrator Paul Dawson. Anyone who wants to buy more than a snack or a drink should shop across the street.

“This will not be a big store,” Dawson said. “Just the gas pumps and snacks.”

Before the store closed it was a Christy’s Market. Cumberland Farms is currently leasing the property from Christy’s, which still owns the land. In the past, Cumberland Farms officials said the site was available for rent, but the company would not lease the site to a convenience store or gas station. Board members unanimously approved the request for the food license but not before Henry raised questions about the condition of the gas tanks on-site.

He insisted that Fire Chief Tom Joyce report back to the board and ensure the tanks meet state fire codes. Dawson noted inspections are done annually, and the store would not be allowed to open if the tanks failed.

“If they weren’t compliant they won’t be able to operate,” Dawson said. Selectmen approved the food license provided that the tanks pass inspection.