Quincy's 'big box' retail moratorium ends

Ordinance approved by council

QUINCY - The Quincy City Council unanimously approved an ordinance concerning construction standards for large scale retail businesses during a Tuesday night meeting, ending the retail moratorium.

No one commented during the public hearing portion of the meeting.

Quincy established a retail moratorium last year to prevent large-scale business owners from building their stores within the city until certain standards were developed. The council evoked the moratorium over concern there would be large empty buildings left behind from retail stores. According to the council the large buildings could stay vacant and disrupt the uniform look of their business area.

The standards dictate the construction of large retail space and surrounding landscape so it will be available for other uses if the retailer leaves the building.

A large retail store refers to a building exceeding 40,000 square feet, according to city documents.

The standards state the building should be visually appealing and consistent with the city's identity and history.

Parking lots and pedestrian walkways should be constructed to allow easy access to all entry points of the building.

According to the ordinance, retail establishments are required to provide at least two of the following: a patio/seating area, a pedestrian plaza with benches, a transportation center, a window-shopping walkway, an outdoor playground area, a kiosk, a water feature, a clock tower or some other focal feature.

The standards also define acceptable lighting to be used for safety and security but not to impact nearby properties.

A copy of the complete ordinance can be obtained at Quincy City Hall.