Mashpee Planning Board Continues Trader Joe's Hearing, Targets Traffic Mitigation Spending

MASHPEE — March 18, 2026 — Mashpee Planning Board continues Trader Joe's special permit hearing to April 15, pressing applicant on a $250,000 traffic mitigation plan. The board, chaired by Mary Waygan, reviewed revised civil engineering plans from Cape and Islands Engineering showing a relocated shared curb cut with abutting Rockland Trust at the Shellback Way entrance — a change members called a significant improvement. Traffic engineer Emily Sullivan of Bowman presented a six-intersection mitigation package required by the Cape Cod Commission's Development of Regional Impact decision, drawing pushback when she reached the Mashpee Rotary, where $56,145 is earmarked for lane markings and signage. "I feel like the Cape Cod Commission bullied them into doing this," Waygan said, adding that mitigation money should concentrate near the project site. Attorney Christopher Corain said the applicant is willing to reallocate funds and return to the Commission. The board voted 5-0 to release 13 lots at Country Club Estates from a road covenant in exchange for a cash surety of $85,321.13, and voted 5-0 to authorize a special permit modification for Willow Circle Lot 1 relocating five buffer trees inside a fence per a signed agreement with abutter Carol Sousa.