By Max Bowen-max.bowen@northstarreporter.com
Last October, Bella Sarno announced its closure after years of serving North Attleborough and the surrounding communities.
At its July 15 meeting, the Planning Board reviewed the proposal to open a new business at 553 Kelley Blvd., the location of Bella Sarno and prior to that, Folan’s Cornucopia. Presented by Mark Whelan of Mark Whelan Engineering, the plan is to retain the left side and re-open it as a restaurant, while the large right side—used in the past for events and gatherings—will become a liquor store.
The proponent, Heather Marie LLC, had purchased the Bella Sarno site prior to the COVID pandemic.
‘They tried to get a restaurant in there but were not successful,” said Whelan. “They looked at other uses. This is a more passive use.”
One issue raised was whether the existing parking—72 in total, with eight in front—would be sufficient for the proposed use. One member described the building design as “backward,” and others thought some green space could be added by moving the parking spaces in front. Whelan said adjustments to the parking could be looked at.
The proposal is also going before the Zoning Board of Appeals. The Planning Board continued the hearing until its Aug. 19 meeting.
