Brian Paolillo presents plans for a funeral home at 691 College Highway to the Southwick Planning Board yesterday. (Photo by Hope E. Tremblay)
SOUTHWICK – Business partners Jody Darren Newcomb and Brian Paolillo are hoping to open a funeral home on College Highway this fall.
The pair met with the Southwick Planning Board last night to request a modification to the special permit at 691 College Highway. The property is owned by Ralph DePalma and was most recently occupied by an antique shop. It was previously a hair salon and a physician’s office.
Newcomb has 20 years experience in the funeral business. He and Paolillo have known each other many years and decided to join forces for the business venture.
“I’ve known him for a while and people kept saying he should open his own home,” said Paolillo. “My role is more financial.”
A former antique and collectibles store located at 691 College Highway in Southwick could soon become a funeral home. The footprint of the 3,300 square-foot building would remain intact, with renovations planned for the inside. There are no changes planned to lighting, and the 25 parking spaces meets the minimum requirements of the town’s parking bylaw. (Photo by Frederick Gore)
Paolillo said while they are partners, Newcomb will run the funeral home. They chose Southwick, said Paolillo, because they wanted to provide services to a small community and liked the ties Southwick’s residents have to the town.
The footprint of the 3,300 square-foot building would remain intact, with renovations planned for the inside. There are no changes planned to lighting, and the 25 parking spaces meets the minimum requirements of the town’s parking bylaw.
Following a presentation by Paolillo, members of the board asked questions then the floor was opened up to the audience. Southwick Police Safety Officer Kurt Sanders expressed concerns about the parking lot, which is small.
“If there’s no room, they will be parking in Family Dollar and Tractor Supply,” said Sanders.
Newcomb said there are 12 spaces required for each reposing room. They plan to have two rooms and they have 25 parking spaces. Planning Board Vice Chairperson Roz Terry noted that there is no on-street parking in town and the parking regulations ae enforced.
The board asked Economic Development Director Michael McMahon, who was seated in the audience, his opinion on the funeral home.
“Otherwise it might be a blank building, so this sounds good,” said McMahon.
Board Chairman Douglas Moglin said he didn’t see any concerns with the request.
“It’s straightforward,” he said.
The board approved the modification of the special permit, with associate member Michael Doherty voting in the absence of board member Robert Johnson.
Newcomb now has to wait out the 20 days allowed for appeals. He and Paolillo plan to begin renovations as soon as possible and hope to open in late October.
