DERRY — Planning officials got a look at a new store plan slated to take shape where a former town auto dealership was located.
The site of the former Dave Allen dealership is scheduled to become a new Goodwill store, part of a 49,000-square-foot building complex planned along Manchester Road.
Developers representing Boomer Wolf LLC have presented plans to town officials over the last several months.
Last week, a new Goodwill store plan was the key topic.
Randy LaClaire, representing Boomer Wolf, told planners the new Goodwill store will fit right in with a New England-style design,. He said it will be an attractive addition to that area of Derry, where economic development is key, and a Route 28 widening plan will add to the success of the area.
“The owners’ intent is to (create) an antique New England look,” he said.
The Goodwill building is designed as a steel-frame structure with a flat roof and clapboard siding.
The design also shows a drop-off area where patrons can drive up and drop off donations.
Goodwill representative Mike Sweeney said the new store is similar to one built about two years ago in Rockland, Maine.
Both Allen businesses were longtime community partners and closed their doors last year. They were among several businesses in that area affected by the Route 28 widening plan.
The building at the Dave Allen site was demolished last month. The Troy Allen building next door remains standing and will eventually become a new pet store as part of the retail plan.
The Derry Goodwill design appealed to Planning Board members, who said the new store would be a good addition to that area.
“It looks like a beautiful store,” Planning Board Chairman David Granese said. “Welcome to Derry.”
