BY VINAYA SAKSENA

CUMBERLAND — After what he said has been months of consideration and input from citizens, Mayor Daniel McKee has decided against supporting a proposal for a new hotel on Mendon Road.

The proposed hotel, originally suggested for construction in an area spanning approximately two acres on Mendon Road near Daniel Street and the Route 295 onramp, according to town Planning Director John Aubin. The property is owned by Regional Development of Cumberland and Lincoln.
The company had been seeking a zoning change approval from the town council to allow the implementation of their plan. McKee said he had been open to the idea, but decided against supporting it after speaking to residents who expressed concerns about road safety and other issues.
“At the time, my position was, ‘let’s take a look at all the possibilities, then we’ll make a decision,’” McKee said. “I’m not against having a hotel in town. In fact, I’d work with them to find a better (location) in town.”
McKee pointed out that his decision was not a reflection on the company or its idea, but on the idea of putting a hotel in that particular spot. He said the lot size did not appear to be sufficient for the spot, and that there were some concerns about access to the lot and how much traffic would increase in the already busy Mendon Road/ Route 295 area.
Michael Kelly, an attorney representing Regional Development for this project, could not be reached for comment in time for this article. However, John Shekarchi, an attorney who had served as corporate counsel for the company, said he believed the situation could be resolved amicably between the company and the town, noting that the idea of bringing a bank to the site had also been talked about.
“It would be great to have something there that will bring some tax revenue to the town,” Shekarchi said. “Hopefully, something will go in that will (benefit) the town.”