Saugus Walmart project gets final clearance from state DOT

SAUGUS – Walmart spokesman Chris Buchanan said developers of a new store in Saugus are set to break ground this fall, “if not sooner” after Walmart recently received its final permit from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation.Sean Grant, Director of the Saugus Chamber of Commerce, said the new Walmart is an example that Route 1 still has room for economic development.?It just goes to show you how attractive Route 1 is to large companies,” said Grant. “The chamber is definitely looking forward to working with Walmart as it builds out and becomes a community neighbor.”Walmart first announced its intention to build a new store in Saugus last June and the Planning Board gave the project the final approval in August. The 114,000-square foot store will be located at 770 Broadway, on the northbound side of Route 1 next to McDonald?s. It?s estimated the store will create around 125 jobs and will feature both a full supermarket with a bakery, meat department and frozen goods, along with a traditional Walmart store.Selectman Chairman Scott Crabtree said he was happy to hear Walmart finally finished the permitting process.?There?s a concern with the traffic impact but, as a whole, it will be a benefit to the residents regarding the competitiveness with the grocery stores,” said Crabtree.Crabtree also noted that the permit fees and property taxes will have positive impacts on Saugus, both in the short-term and long-term.In addition to the Walmart, developers agreed to construct 1,000 feet of new water main along Route 1, a new pumping station with 400 feet of forced sewer main and a generator.State Sen. Thomas McGee, D-Lynn, said the infrastructure improvements are a “tremendous opportunity” to solve an ongoing problem on Route 1, as water main breaks are a constant headache for commuters heading both north and south through Saugus.?I?m glad it?s finally ready to move forward,” said McGee. “I think the town has been very proactive in trying to make that happen and I?m happy to work with the town to help replace the water pipes on Route 1.”Matt Tempesta can be reached at [email protected].