May 13, 2025
Members present: Eric Lukingbeal, Christine Chinni, Mark Lockwood, Eric Myers, Robert Lavitt, Steve Muller, Brennan Sheahan. Members absent: Paula Johnson, Meg Jabaily. Also present: Director of Community Development Abigail Kenyon and Land Use Coordinator Renee Deltenre.
Application seeking a Special Permit under Zoning Regulations Section 3.8.2.1 for a caretaker apartment for property located at 516 Salmon Brook Street, I Zone.
Lavitt and Lukingbeal stated for the record that they have retained Maximum Tree Service for tree removal services in the past.
The 2.69-acre property is located within the Industrial Zone and consists of a 3,300 square foot commercial building to house equipment for a tree service company, with an additional 800 square foot lean-to on the southern side.
Applicant and property owner Doug Max is seeking permission to enclose the existing lean-to to construct a 720-square-foot caretaker apartment for his business. The apartment would consist of an open floor plan with a kitchen, bathroom, living area and one bedroom. No additional site changes are proposed or required in order to accommodate the proposed apartment. Kenyon indicated that the application meets all zoning requirements. The commission had no comments or concerns.
There was no public comment. The commission unanimously approved the application.
Plan of Conservation and Development 2026 Update
Staff prepared and presented three potential options for selecting members of the public to serve on the subcommittee. There was agreement with the third option: 1) issue a call for volunteers, 2) request an application form be completed, and 3) review applications and, based on responses, determine those who have background/experience with the various areas of the POCD and make selections based on overall contributions to the plan process.
May 27, 2025
Members present: Eric Lukingbeal, Paula Johnson, Mark Lockwood, Eric Myers, Robert Lavitt, Steve Muller, Brennan Sheahan. Members absent: Christine Chinni, Meg Jabaily. Also present: Director of Community Development Abigail Kenyon and Land Use Coordinator Renee Deltenre
Application seeking a Site Plan Modification to add a playground for property located at 160 Granville Road, R2A Zone.
Applicant Matthew Deardorff said that Valley Brook Community Church is looking to install a 75’x85’ commercial grade playground that would be available to its congregation and the public. The playground would be situated 40’ from the parking lot and a concrete walkway would provide access. The structural components of the playground would consist of a 65’x70’ area and require 12 inches of excavation in order to accommodate the required mulch base. A 4-foot fence would be installed around the perimeter along with landscape shrubbery and bushes, and benches/picnic tables would be placed at the entrance. Approval from the Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission was received on May 22.
There was no public comment. The commission unanimously approved the application.
June 10, 2025
Members present: Eric Lukingbeal, Eric Myers, Robert Lavitt, Steve Muller, Meg Jabaily, Christine Chinni and Mark Lockwood. Absent: Brennan Sheahan and Paula Johnson. Also present: Director of Community Development Abigail Kenyon and Land Use Coordinator Renee Deltenre. Jabaily was seated for Brennan Sheahan.
Application seeking a Site Plan and Special Permit under Zoning Regulations Sections 3.5.4.3, 8.6.14 and 8.21.4 for a commercial building in the Aquifer Protection Overlay Zone with an illuminated freestanding directory sign and outdoor storage, for property located at 14 Mill Pond Drive. + Application seeking a Site Plan Modification to allow access to abutting lot, for property located at 18 Mill Pond Drive, C2 Zone.
Applicant and Landscape Architect Biff Schechinger accompanied property owner Steve Briggs, who is seeking permission to construct a new commercial building just under 5,000 square feet on the vacant parcel at 14 Mill Pond Drive. The structure will be divided into three separate units, each consisting of a pedestrian entrance door and one large overhead garage door on the eastern side. The proposed site plan indicates 26 parking spaces, a dumpster enclosure, a covered storage bin for landscaping material, and a dry basin in front of the building. The fabricated steel building will be connected to sewer and public water, have no interior floor drains and will have LED full cut-off exterior lighting.
It is the property owner’s intent to occupy the larger unit in addition to his current space at 18 Mill Pond and rent out the other two units at a later date. The space will store small lawn equipment and tools associated with his landscaping business. Schechinger indicated a 411 square foot reduction in landscaping coverage for 18 Mill Pond due to the creation of an access driveway to the adjacent property. Kenyon asked for clarification regarding outdoor storage, outdoor vehicular parking, and stated that the proposed signage conforms with the regulations.
There was no public comment, and the public hearing was continued to the next regular meeting.
Application seeking a Special Permit modification for an existing farm store under Zoning Regulations Section 8.15.17, to allow a tent for property located at 130 Lost Acres Road, R2A Zone.
Applicant and property owner Greg Bennett is seeking permission to erect a 10’x10’ tent on the property as part of the Farm Store operation to provide outdoor donut production and sales. The tent will be utilized only on the weekends during the fall season and will be located near the existing barn. Kenyon noted that the location of the tent requires commission review as the area was not previously approved for farm store activities under prior special permits.
There was no public comment. The commission unanimously approved the application.
Application seeking a Site Plan Modification under Zoning Regulations 8.16.10 for outdoor dining for property located at 518 Salmon Brook Street, Las Potras Mexican Restaurant, I Zone.
Applicant and restaurant owner Yoelin Sanchez is seeking permission to add outdoor dining in front of the Las Potras Mexican Restaurant, April 1 to Nov. 30. She would like to place three tables on the sidewalk to the right of the main entrance door and two tables on the sidewalk to the left of the door, under the existing overhang. The proposed seating will not impede pedestrian traffic due to an existing outer sidewalk. It was noted that all outdoor dining tables/chairs will be removed from the sidewalk at the end of the outdoor dining season and will be stored inside. There are no plans for any additional lighting, but if that changes, lighting could be submitted for staff review and approval. Kenyon noted that the applicant’s proposal meets regulations and she had no concerns.
There was no public comment. The commission unanimously approved the application subject to: Requirement for separation from parking has been waived; hours are consistent with the outdoor dining regulations; outdoor furniture may be in place from April 1 to Nov. 30 and must be removed for off-season storage; minor lighting modifications may be reviewed and approved by staff; there shall be no public address or outdoor music.