Part of Route 28 is shaping up to become a hub of economic activity as progress continues on developing Rochester Crossroads, a 28-acre parcel near I-495.

When fully developed, the site would be the largest commercial development in town, and complement two major projects already in the works three and half miles down the road in Wareham.

“Any commercial development is positive for the town,” said Selectmen Chair Brad Morse. “This one is in the best location you could possibly ask for because it’s on our border, right near the highway.”

Located at 22 Cranberry Highway, it  was formerly a greenhouse and nursery that operated for many years, known as the R.F. Morse property.

That nursery closed in 2011 and previous owner Richard Canning sold the land to A.D. Makepeace in December 2012.  In 2013, A.D. Makepeace opened their own nursery on the site for one year.

The site had been looked at for commercial development in 2009; however, the economic downturn postponed those plans.

Town officials have long hoped the area would attract businesses, such as “big box” retail stores.

Now, plans are underway to build a road that would provide better access to the site and accommodate what may be the property’s first tenant, a Shell gas station to be open 24-hours a day, seven days a week.

Though located inside the Rochester Crossroads property, the project would be handled separately than the rest of the development.

Colbea Enterprises LLC, based in Cranston R.I., has announced plans for the gas station. Engineers working on behalf of the company are currently moving through the approval process with the Planning Board.

On June 24, Planning Board Chair Arnie Johnson said he was uncomfortable approving the road before he had more information about the volume of traffic on the site. Without knowing specifics, he said the road’s location might need to be changed.

The next public hearing for the road’s construction is scheduled for July 22 at 7 p.m. in Town Hall.

While the Planning Board reviews  the application, Selectmen are hopeful that after the approval process is finished the area will attract business.

“This would absolutely be the biggest commercial site in town,” Morse said. “It looks to be the only one, really.”

If developed, Rochester Crossroads would become one of three new projects underway on Route 28 less than four miles apart.

Last month, officials broke ground on a Super Walmart on Tobey Road and a ribbon cutting ceremony celebrated the opening of a Cape Cod Five Cents bank in Rosebrook Place, near the intersection of I-195 and I-495. A.D. Makepeace ushered in the Rosebrook Place development.

Calls to A.D. Makepeace for comment on the new development were not returned before Sippican Week’s deadline.