By MARK SARDELLA
WAKEFIELD — A long-vacant downtown storefront will soon be filled by a popular, internationally-known franchise after the Zoning board of Appeals approved the necessary permits to allow Gong Cha Tea, Inc. to operate at 410 Main St.
Details on the signage still need to be worked out, but with the other Special Permits approved, the franchise owner, Kelvin Guan can proceed with interior work. The goal is for the store to be open by July 4.
The location is next to Brothers Deli and is part of the space once occupied by the Ski Shack, which consists of three storefronts. One of those storefronts is currently occupied by Charm Thai Bistro at 412 Main St. The remaining storefronts have been vacant for about seven or eight years. Gong Cha would occupy the middle space.
Attorney Brian McGrail presented the applications for the Special Permits. He noted that the ZBA had previously waived the requirement for site plan review.
McGrail noted that Gong Cha is a chain launched in Taiwan with stores all over the world. He said that Gong Cha offers premium quality tea drinks, ice cream and miscellaneous other food products. Current Massachusetts locations include the Burlington Mall, the North Shore Mall, Cambridge and Newbury Street in Boston.
McGrail said that it would be exciting to get an international chain into the downtown area with an owner who wants to invest significantly in improvements to a long vacant space.
The store would have counter service and seating for up to 24 customers. In addition to a Special Permit for fast food use, McGrail requested a Special Permit for reduction of parking requirements, given that there is no off-street parking available. He said that his client had worked out an arrangement with Brothers Deli to share their Dumpster out back.
Deliveries would be done by small vehicles during off hours off hours, McGrail said.
He added that the Fire Department had no major issues with the proposed use once they understood that no significant cooking would take place at the store.
ZBA member Chip Tarbell asked if deliveries could be made at the rear of the store. McGrail said that it might be possible but he could not commit to it due to the property rights of different owners in the rear of the building. He and his client agreed to limit deliveries to earlier than 9 a.m.
The ZBA voted to grant the Special Permits for the fast food use and for the reduction in parking requirements before taking up the signage issue.
The proposed sign consisted of “Gong Cha” in raised white letters over a red background. McGrail maintained that the sign would be appropriate for the space, although it technically exceeds the size allowed and would require a Special Permit.
Tarbell didn’t like the proposed sign, saying that it lacked creativity. But McGrail and Guan pointed out that the sign reflects the corporate logo and branding.
ZBA chairman Tom Lucey noted that the proposed sign would be better than the the blank facade that has been there for seven or eight years.
“We should be helping small businesses, not putting up more barriers,” he said.
McGrail noted that it can be difficult to get a franchisor to agree to change corporate-wide signage.
Still, Lucey asked McGrail to explore the possibilities and pull together information on signage options for the next meeting to address the concerns of board members.
The ZBA continued the hearing to its April 9 meeting.