"We requested that they withdraw it," Charles Gricus, director of planning for the town, tells GlobeSt.com. "They need to do more homework. If no one understands the issue, it is tough to get a zoning measure passed. We support it but we want to make sure all questions are answered."

John Ryan of Boston-based Ryan & Elliot and David Waluka of Waluka Real Estate Corp. in Sharon are among the developers who want to create a commercial district in this area to develop a combination of retail, commercial and residential projects. But such a project would require access from Route 25, which would probably involve creating a new highway exit, a decision that would mean bringing in the state.

While there have been concerns expressed about the impact of the development of this parcel on the area's water supply, Gricus maintains that the town needs additional development to support its tax base. "Right now 82% of our property taxes are paid by homeowners," notes Gricus. "We need to bring that figure back into balance."