The district environmental commission has denied a permit for a 9,100-square-foot Dollar General store near Exit 3 of Interstate 89. Last month, the commission refused to approve plans for a Family Dollar outlet proposed for the same area.

Opponents say they'll appeal the Chester Development Review Board's approval for a dollar store in the Windsor County town.

Town officials in Northfield are now considering a zoning change that they say would protect the town from certain retailers that they believe could hurt downtown. Last month, the Select Board voted to support the town's position as a so-called one-acre town.