PLYMOUTH, Mass. — A key approval this week may have moved Plymouth one step closer to landing a long-rumored Costco store.
The Plymouth Zoning Board of Appeals voted unanimously Monday to approve plans for a gas station and convenience store at the intersection of Cherry Street and Commerce Way. While Costco has not officially announced plans for the site, many local officials and residents believe the project is tied to efforts to bring the wholesale retailer to Plymouth.
The proposal has been the subject of months of discussion and review, with much of the debate centered on protecting the area’s groundwater. Supporters argued that the project includes safeguards designed to meet environmental regulations, while opponents raised concerns about the long-term impact of fuel storage near sensitive water resources.
The approved plan includes monitoring systems and other environmental protections that town officials say will help reduce risks to local groundwater supplies.
The decision is viewed as an important milestone because most Costco locations include gas stations, making the approval a significant piece of any future development. Plymouth has been competing with neighboring Kingston to attract the retailer, with both communities positioning sites for potential development.
Not everyone supports the project. Some opponents have indicated they may appeal the board’s decision, which could delay future progress. Under Massachusetts law, appeals can be filed within a limited timeframe after the permit is issued.
A Costco location would bring new jobs, additional tax revenue, and another major shopping destination to Plymouth County. However, town officials stress that Costco has not publicly confirmed plans for a store in Plymouth, and no construction timeline has been announced.
For now, the gas station approval represents another step forward in a project that many residents have been closely watching for years.
What do you think? Would you like to see a Costco built in Plymouth, or would you rather see it go to Kingston? Let us know in the comments.
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