Abutter Maureen Margolis questioned whether 25 parking spaces will be sufficient.
Dominic Maloni of Agawam wants to reopen the former Rice Fruit Farm agricultural farm stand in Wilbraham and sell the same things that Jesse Rice sold for many years, including apples, ice cream, pies, muffins, cookies and Christmas trees.
WILBRAHAM - The Planning Board on Wednesday approved a special permit for Anthony and Cynthia Maloni, of Agawam, and their son, Dominic Maloni, of Wilbraham, to reopen the Rice farm stand at 751-53 Main Street.
Dominic Maloni said his goal is to have the farm stand up and running by July 1.
Planning Board Chairman Richard Butler said voters at last May’s annual Town Meeting approved passage of a heritage farm stand bylaw.
“Tonight we are issuing a special permit under the bylaw,” he said.
The Rice farm stand has been closed for four years. Jesse Rice, the longtime owner of Rice Fruit Farm died in November 2010 at the age of 91. The Rice family owned Rice Fruit Farm for more than 100 years. A large portion of the property has been preserved as Rice Nature Preserve.
Dominic Maloni said his first order of business once he reopens the farm stand on Main Street is to get an ice cream stand up and running with hard and soft ice cream made on the premises.
The Maloni family operates Cindy’s Drive In on Route 202 in Granby, which sells burgers and ice cream.
Maloni said he plans to operate a restaurant for grilled sandwiches and breakfast inside the farm stand, besides selling ice cream, vegetables and refrigerated foods such as milk, cheese, juice and fruit.
Maloni said he also plans to sell coffee and pastries and local vegetables.
He said he will have seating for 60, inside and outside, and 25 parking spaces.
Maureen Margolis, an abutter to the property, said she welcomes the reopening of the farm stand, but she asked the Planning Board whether 25 parking spaces will be enough.
Maloni said there is a grass area next door where more parking can be added, if needed.
The farm stand will be open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the summer and until 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, Maloni said.
Butler said he gets questions from many residents about when the farm stand is reopening.
He said Rice’s was an institution in Wilbraham that has been missed since it has been closed.