Montague expecting major development       

By Steve Sharratt
The Guardian - July 14, 1999

MONTAGUE - It's expected to be officially unveiled in the next few weeks, but a multimillion-dollar business development will soon rise in Montague on the heels of an already spectacular year of growth.

The Guardian has learned that the former McGowan Motors car dealership will soon be demolished and the 17-acre site developed into a new mall with numerous retail outlets, including an Atlantic Superstore, a high-end senior citizens' apartment complex and the arrival of the golden arches.

While a development has been speculated for some time, a town council official expects a building permit will be presented for approval in early August.

There is little doubt the new development — complete with about 100 jobs and valued at $10 million - will meet any opposition from elected municipal officials. "We expect to have some permits for a major building project next month,'' Councilor Leonard Munroe said during town council's regular monthly meeting Monday night.

The development officer wasn't elaborating on the issue and neither were other elected officials who said further information will be left to the discretion of the developer.

"I can't comment on this because I gave my word to wait until it was official,'' said Mayor Pat McGowan. "If it does go ahead, it will be in the town of Montague, that's all I can say. "I hope it will bring jobs and help the economy and I'm not going to speculate."

The mayor said too much coffee shop chatter has hindered development in the past and she would not reveal further information.

While Island entrepreneur Tim Banks is the most likely candidate to develop, some sources say there are many players in the puzzle, including McDonald's, which has been hunting for the right location here for some time.

There was ample speculation that the fast-food operator intended to set up shop on Main Street across from rival Tim Hortons/Wendys, but now will locate in the new mall project in a separate building.

"If such a development is coming, all I can do is applaud it,'' said district MLA Jim Bagnall.

"Montague is the perfect place for growth and if business people are interested in this area, I hope the welcome mat is out." Bagnall said he had no comment about the speculated project which will supposedly build large, luxury senior apartments in close proximity to the mall complex to provide accessible shopping for elderly tenants.