Board Approves BJ's Price Sign, Eyes Taco Bell

Planning Board · Meeting of July 8, 2026

STONEHAM — The Stoneham Planning Board approved a BJ's gas station sign change and opened review of a proposed Taco Bell. The board voted 5-0 to let BJ's Wholesale Club add digital pricing displays, capped at one price change per day, to its existing highway pylon sign, acting on jurisdiction retained since a 2015 special permit. Attorney Mark Vaughn represented BJ's; Attorney Stephen Ciccatelli outlined plans for a Taco Bell and drive-through at 147 Main Street, including a 15-foot freestanding sign, and the board scheduled an August 12 site visit to assess sightlines on Main Street.

The board also continued the Birch Street subdivision bond release to August 12, with Chair Frank Vallarelli warning he would "refer to town council to take the bond money" if work isn't finished by then. Members also cleared an exterior utility structure at 32 Summer Street without requiring a new special permit hearing.

In the full story:

• Approval of Minutes and Committee Business
• Birch Street Subdivision Bond Release
• 32 Summer Street: Utility and Fire Alarm Structure
• 7 General Road: Approval Not Required Plan
• Redstone Shopping Center: Proposed Taco Bell and Sign Variances
• BJ's Wholesale Club: Gas Station Sign Change
• Who Was There
• Organizations And Documents Referenced
• The complete report: 2,912 words

Source: the Planning Board meeting of July 8, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.

Checked against the record: before publication this article was automatically compared with the meeting transcript.