Movie Theater Could Open At Mansfield Crossing

MANSFIELD, MA — The Mansfield Crossing shopping plaza may be getting a movie theater. WS Development, of Boston, met with the Planning Board earlier this month and proposed a plan to work with Apple Cinemas to build a cinema where Sports Authority used to be.

If given the green light, the proposed theater will feature 10 screens and offer in-seat food and beverage service to customers.

"WS is thrilled to be able to bring this new and exciting use to Mansfield Crossing," project manager Victoria Maguire said. "We feel the addition of a movie theater will help enhance this already vibrant property and continue Mansfield Crossing's role as a destination for residents who come to enjoy the property on a regular basis."

Last spring, town meeting voters approved zoning for family entertainment complexes. Under the new bylaw, skating rinks, theaters, cinemas, bowling alleys, arcades, art studios and more can come to town with the approval of the Planning Board. Facilities also must be 65,000 square feet or less.

Before approval, there are some issues to iron out, which were brought up at a Planning Board meeting on Sept. 11. WS Development sent an application to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) to remove trim some trees to improve visibility for Mansfield Crossing's signs.

Maguire told the board the plaza has great highway access but the trees make it hard for people to see it. The Planning Board said it would send a letter of support for the clearing to MassDOT.

The board also asked about WS Development's plan to include "Little Free Libraries"at Mansfield Crossing. Maguire said the company plans to have Mansfield High School students help design the small shelves that will be filled with books for the entire community to enjoy.