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Construction of CVS in Goffstown would mean closure of King Bowling Lanes

BY GREG KWASNIK

A CVS proposed for Pinardville could displace several homeowners and a landmark bowling alley if approved by the Goffstown Planning Board.

Project developer Grammas Investment Group has submitted an application to build a 14,718-square-foot CVS near the Manchester border. The proposed store would be built at the intersection of Mast Road, Pinard Street and Henriette Street.

First proposed several years ago, the project would require the demolition of several houses along Pinard Street and businesses along Mast Road. Businesses currently on the proposed site include Creative Vision Flooring Design, National Hearing Aid Center, the Abiding Light Pentecostal Church and King Bowling Lanes.

Daniel LaRochelle, owner of King Bowling Lanes, said nothing happened after the prospect of the new CVS came up a year ago. But LaRochelle said there has been a renewed interest in his property.

“Has there been an interest? Yes, there’s been an interest, but as far as I’m concerned no papers have been signed, so nothing’s happening,” said Rochelle, who will weigh his options if approached by a buyer.

“Right now we’re business as usual and anything’s for sale for the right price,” LaRochelle said. “But right now nothing’s happening.”

The Hebert family opened King Lanes in 1939. At that time, pinboys would set bowlers’ pins instead of an automatic pinsetter. LaRochelle’s father, Robert, took over the bowling alley with his father in 1954, at which time automatic pinsetters were installed.

Working the counter at the bowling alley recently, the elder LaRochelle said he worried that CVS rumors would cut into his business by discouraging customers from signing up for upcoming bowling leagues.

“I figured it’s just talk again,” LaRochelle said, chuckling. “My customers seem to know more than we do.”

Goffstown officials know little more about the status of the proposed project than LaRochelle. The project’s developers were scheduled to present a conceptual review of the project to the Planning Board July 22, but asked for a continuance.

Town planner Brian Rose said homeowners and business owners likely to be displaced by the CVS must sign off on the project before it can get Planning Board approval.

“Right now we did send out a public notice to all property owners there and all abutters,” Rose said. “As to whether or not all property owners have signed off – that’s another question. We did not get any documentation from property owners at this point.”

One Pinard Street homeowner who did not want to be named said he had received some interest in his home of 38 years.

“We were approached two years ago if we were willing to sell, and that’s where it stands now,” he said.

Like LaRochelle, the homeowner said he would carefully consider any offers before deciding to sell his home.

Published Wednesday, July 28, 2010 3:32 PM by Goffstown Editor

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Anthony Corwin said:

Another pharmacy? Really? How many pharmacies are we going to end up with? And at what cost to the community?
July 29, 2010 2:09 PM

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