The mall would be built on a site near I-93, and would not only require rezoning by the town, but also the construction of a new interchange to service it, which would need state and federal approval.

Proponents of the mall argue that the town, which is facing a budget shortfall of about $800,000 in fiscal 2005, will need the revenue ultimately generated by the development. According to some estimates--disputed by the mall's detractors--the mall will bring $1.6 million to $3.1 million annually to town coffers, the actual figure depending on how much the municipality spends on public safety for the mall. The mall would also generate construction jobs during its development, and retail jobs after that.

Detractors say that the mall's impact on traffic on nearby surface roads would be more than the 8% increase from current conditions (at peak evening hours) cited in a study drafted on behalf of Mills Corp. They also say that the development would adversely affect retail shops in neighboring towns such as Andover, Billerica and Lowell.

Early in March, at a reportedly contentious meeting of the Mills Study Committee--set up by the town to examine the issue--consultant Judi Barrett of the Plymouth, MA-based Community Opportunities Group gave a review of the economic effects of the proposal, citing the enhanced revenue potential, but also noting that "there will be positive and negative impacts," of a mall at the site. She added that she recommends a development that includes housing and open space, and not just retail space.

Late in March, at another reportedly contentious meeting (at least 100 people attended, with pro and con well represented), a board of selectmen committee charged with making a report about the project--but not a recommendation--delivered the report to the full board. The next step will be a special town meeting on May 4. Neither Mills Corp. nor the newly re-elected selectmen returned phone calls from GlobeSt.com to discuss the matter.