NAPLES – The Naples Planning Board has approved the construction of a new Family Dollar store between Aubuchon Hardware and the former Sidney’s Restaurant on Route 302.

In a 4-1 vote on April 1, the board approved the national chain store’s application to construct an 8,300-square-foot, one-story building on a 2-acre lot owned by developer Dan Craffey. Board member Kevin Rogers voted to reject the application.

According to Renee Carter, Naples town planner, the Family Dollar construction is one component of an unfolding burst of new development in the area. The board has approved a new Dunkin’ Donuts on the site of the old Sidney’s Restaurant, which will be demolished this month. Carter said that Family Dollar is set to begin construction soon, and Craffey plans to apply for Planning Board approval to develop retail and office space on three acres of land that he owns behind Aubuchon and Family Dollar.

Carter said she had recently received calls from three other businesses seeking to develop in the area.

“I think it’s turning around now,” Carter said. “But I think it’s something to do with it. They’re starting to realize how nice the town of Naples is.”

Craffey said that he expects to sell the two acres to Family Dollar. He said the store’s interest in purchasing the land was part of a new, company-wide policy.

“They’ve always leased, but now they’re going to start owning their own stores,” Craffey said. “This is one of the first that they’re going to purchase, once the construction is done.”

Carter said that the new development is a sign of things to come.

“We’re really starting to see a lot of interest coming into Naples,” she said.