The June 20, 2008 edition of the now-defunct Beacon published an article written by Christian Schiavone with the following headline: “Main Street McDonald’s closing”. That article notes that the fast-food restaurant had been at the 256 Main St. location for 3 decades prior to its closure, and that actor Steve Carell, who grew up in Acton, has fond childhood memories of its opening. In 2013 Panera Bread submitted a proposal to demolish the building and construct a Panera restaurant, but that proposal was rejected by the Select Board due to inadequate parking. The abandoned McDonald’s is arguably Acton’s ugliest landmark, and it has been in its current state for over 15 years. And while the restoration of the Kmart building appears to be nearing completion, the workmen appear to be carefully avoiding any disturbance of the McDonald’s. While I understand that the Town does not own that property, is there nothing that can be done to remove a decaying structure that will never, and can never, be used again?
Ronald Parenti
Dr. Parenti is a member of the Town of Acton Water Resource Committee and the Acton Water District Finance Committee