Vinnin Square ledge proves too hard to chip; crew plans 3 days of blasting starting Friday

SWAMPSCOTT – The former home of Paradise Cleaners at 980 Paradise Road was razed last month and site preparation work is proceeding on the property.Centercorp Retail Properties Inc. owns the parcel, which is located next to Uno Chicago Grill. Last week crews were busy chipping away at the ledge, and blasting is expected to begin Friday.Attorney William Dimento, who represents Centercorp, said a decision was made to chip away at the ledge instead of blasting because it was thought there would be less disruption to neighbors.?We know how they (abutters) are suffering,” he said. “We thought chipping would have less of an impact on neighbors. But the ledge is very hard and difficult to chip so a decision was made to do some blasting.”DiMento said he expects the blasting to begin Friday and it would take approximately three working days to complete.?Once the blasting is done there will be very little disruption or noise,” he said.Andrew Rose, who is one of the principals with Centercorp, said the company plans on building a 6,200 square-foot building, which would be approximately 10 percent larger than the former structure.Rose said T-Mobile, Dunkin’ Donuts and Five Guys Burgers and Fries would be occupying the space.Five Guys Burgers and Fries is based in Virginia and is beginning to make inroads into New England, according to Rose. The restaurant chain prides itself on using fresh ground beef and fresh potatoes for its fries. The burger franchise has more than 280 stores nationwide but the Swampscott location would be the first on the North Shore.DiMento said he expects the property would be assessed at approximately $4 million when it is completed next spring, which would generate additional tax revenue for the town.