Frequently asked questions

On Tuesday, March 28, 2023 you can vote "YES" for Article 3 to preserve Walpole.

The proposal limits the number of formula businesses in Walpole to 12. Since Walpole already has more than 12, no more new formula businesses currently could be established in Walpole.

The legal definition is  clunky, but think chain stores like Dollar Tree and franchises like Kentucky Fried Chicken.

Yes.

No. Formula businesses do not include post offices, places of worship, schools, government facilities, banks, gasoline fueling stations, professional offices, or health care facilities.

Sure.  Click on "PRECEDENTS" above and you can find a list of towns across the country that have formula business restrictions of one sort or another.  And that’s the reason why Walpole’s Town Attorney, Jeremy Hockensmith, has advised the Selectboard, after carefully reviewing the proposed ordinance, he could not determine it illegal or defective.  At "PRECEDENTS" see "December 15, 2022 Selectboard letter - Attorney Hockensmith determination." 

Yes, we do.  So no more formula businesses could be established in Walpole.  But, if enough current formula businesses in Walpole close so we have 11 or fewer, a new formula business could be established in town.

Since Burdick's is already in Walpole, its presence here won't be restricted in any way by the proposal.  Toadstool would not be restricted in any way either - it has 2 stores, and to be a formula business it must have 10 or more other locations.

You bet!  And Teresa and John Janiszyn, Route 12 business owners of Pete's Stand and farmers and landowners say vote "YES" for Article 3.

Actually, Walpole Village has the same commercial zoning as Route 12.  Currently there's nothing to stop development of the Village from looking just like Route 12. 

Demolishing an existing building in the Village or Route 12 would probably take a day or two.  The chain store could be thrown up immediately after.

Formula businesses are piling into Walpole now.  A new Dunkin Donuts building just got site approval -- on February 14, 2023.  In only the last few years, Subway, Dollar General, Family Dollar, Tractor Supply have all built their stores in our town.

Yeah, but the Planning Board is doing the studying for us.  And although  it has not recommended Article 3, the Planning Board approved Dunkin Donuts for Walpole on February 14, 2023.  One feature highlighted in the Dunkin site plan studied and approved by the Planning Board is a new commons: "The driveway around the parking lot to the drive-thru will be for common use . . . ."

Talk it up, spread the word, ask your friends to vote "YES" on March 28.  Contact us for a yard sign or any other material shown on the "Seen around town" link below. Consider adding an addendum to your email signature block asking for a "YES" vote on Article 3 on March 28.   We need your help. Thank you for considering it!

On Tuesday, March 28, 2023 you can vote "YES" for the Article 3 amendment to preserve Walpole.